Ph.D. in Carnivore Community Dynamics: The Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M – Kingsville, in partnership with the East Foundation, is offering a Ph.D. scholarship focused on assessing carnivore spatial and foraging ecology in the context of ocelot reintroduction efforts in South Texas.
Ph.D. Scholarship Opportunity in Carnivore Community Dynamics and Ocelot Reintroduction
Designation: Ph.D. Candidate in Carnivore Community Dynamics and Ocelot Reintroduction
Research Area: Carnivore spatial and foraging ecology, ocelot reintroduction, interspecific interactions, dietary niche overlap, resource availability, and community processes in the presence of reintroduced ocelots.
Location: Kingsville, TX
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Master’s degree in Wildlife, Ecology, Statistics, or related field by the anticipated start date (Spring 2025)
- Proficiency in the coding language R and statistical analysis of data from wildlife populations
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging environmental conditions
- Excellent written and personal communication skills
- Experience with live-trapping, chemical immobilization, and/or GPS collaring of wildlife (desired)
- Experience deploying and monitoring camera trap arrays (desired)
- Experience in geospatial analysis (R, ArcGIS, QGIS) (desired)
Job Description:
The chosen student will play a significant role in the field components of the project, including trapping and GPS-collaring of bobcats, coyotes, and eventually ocelots, deployment and maintenance of a camera trapping grid, and data analysis. The candidate must be passionate about carnivore conservation, prepared for working in dense thornscrub habitat in warm climates, and be able to meet project deadlines.
How to Apply:
Please submit a single .pdf to Dr. Lisanne Petracca at lisanne.petracca@tamuk.edu titled “PhD_Position_Carnivore_Community_ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName.” The .pdf should include a (max) one-page, single-spaced letter of interest describing qualifications and how this position fits into career goals, a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a writing sample. The application deadline is 11:59 PM PST on September 29nd, 2024.
Last Date for Apply: September 29nd, 2024
For full consideration, interested candidates must apply by the specified deadline.
