WILDLABS
World Wide Fund for Nature/ World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Description
We are seeking applicants for a fully funded Ph.D. assistantship to begin a long-term study on collared peccary (also known as javelina) ecology in southern Texas. The study has 4 primary focal efforts related to collared peccary ecology, including: 1) population survey techniques (helicopter, camera, and road surveys), 2) population ecology related to demographics and dynamics such as survival, reproduction, and abundance, 3) spatial modeling related to movement and habitat selection, and 4) animal health and nutrition.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on all aspects of this study, but preference will be given to students with strong quantitative skills and experience with population surveys, and spatial, habitat, and animal movement modeling. The student will work cooperatively as a team with other graduate students and research faculty focused on the other aspects of the overall project. Those collaborations will allow the successful applicant the opportunity to contribute to many popular, extension, and scientific publications and media. The student will be responsible for assisting with study design, and for collecting, managing, analyzing, and disseminating data on their respective topics, in addition to assisting other graduate students with their respective areas of focus. The student will gain valuable experience with project management, data collection and management, animal capture and immobilization, survey techniques (e.g., camera, road, and helicopter surveys), statistical modeling, and working effectively with landowners and research teams.
Minimum Qualifications:
- M.S. in wildlife biology, ecology or management, natural resources, or closely related field (exceptional students with a B.S. may be considered)
- GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Basic GIS and programming skills
- Knowledge or experience planning, coordinating, and conducting field activities
- Strong work ethic and self-motivated
- Willingness and desire to work in a remote location, sometimes under adverse conditions (hot, humid, cacti, biting/stinging insects), on working ranches with livestock operations
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with wildlife survey techniques, population monitoring, movement and habitat analyses, necropsy, and animal trapping and handling
- Proficiency with GIS and programming (such as R), and working with large datasets
- Experience or working knowledge of ranch operations and management
- Excellent oral communication and technical writing skills
- Publishing experience and grantsmanship
Funding is available in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management for the duration of the Ph.D. degree (4 years), starting as early as 1 August 2024. The position includes a graduate stipend of $30,000/year plus health insurance (for the student only) and an out-of-state tuition waiver. Research funding also supports field equipment and supplies, travel to and from study sites, on-site housing, and conference registration and attendance. The selected applicant will work with a team of researchers and biologists from Texas A&M University, University of Montana, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and numerous private landowners. The research team is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering an environment where diversity is accepted and encouraged.
How To Apply
Please email the following as a single PDF file (if possible): 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) contact information (i.e., name, affiliation, email, and phone number) for 3 references, and 4) undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial versions accepted) to [email protected]. Please place the following in the subject line: Peccary Ph.D. – First and Last name (e.g., Peccary Ph.D. – Stephen Webb). Applications will be reviewed as they are received and until a suitable candidate is found.
Contact
Stephen Webb
[email protected] (preferred contact method)