Fully Funded Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology - Mule Deer Migration

The Wildlife Society; Texas; On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance for student

Tuition waiver

Out-of-state tuition waiver

Travel funding

On-site housing

Conference registration and attendance

Job summary

The Wildlife Society is seeking a fully funded Ph.D. assistantship for a long-term study of mule deer migration, habitat selection and harvest in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The project emphasizes quantitative modeling of movements, survival, and population dynamics, with collaboration across institutions and providers.

Funding covers stipend, health insurance, tuition, and travel support. Starting as early as 15 January 2027, the program offers a four-year graduate stipend of

Qualifications

• MS in wildlife biology, ecology or management (exceptional B.S. candidates may be considered).
• GPA 3.0 or greater and strong work ethic.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and excellent written communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a long-term mule deer study on migration, habitat selection and harvest.
• Develop models for movement, occupancy, survival and population dynamics.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and universities and train graduate students.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Movement modeling

Population dynamics

Oral communication

Technical writing

Grantsmanship

Driver's license

Education

MS in wildlife biology or related field

GPA 3.0+

Tools

R

GIS

Job description

Description: We are seeking applicants for a fully funded Ph.D. assistantship to begin a long-term study on mule deer migration, habitat selection and harvest in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The study objectives include: 1) evaluating migration status and seasonal movements; 2) estimation of survival, mortality and harvest dynamics in relation to migratory status; and 3) evaluating population dynamics of migratory and non-migratory mule deer. Preference will be given to students with strong quantitative skills and experience with modeling animal movements, resource selection, and population dynamics.

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management (RWFM) is home to more than 600 students led by 35+ faculty and staff. The goals of RWFM are to generate sound scientific research, facilitate meaningful science-based discussions, and train students to the highest caliber. The department’s efforts serve to realize the Land-grant mission through three focus areas—teaching, research, and extension.

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
Strong work ethic and self-motivated
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Experience with modeling animal movements, resource selection and population dynamics is especially desired Proficiency with GIS and programming (such as R)
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 15 January 2027. The position includes a graduate stipend of $30,000/year plus health insurance (for the student only), tuition, and an out-of-state tuition waiver. Research funding also supports some 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, New Mexico Department of Wildlife, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The research team is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering an environment where diversity is accepted and encouraged.

To Apply: Please email the following as a single PDF file: 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 [e-mail]

Please place the following in the subject line: Bighorn Ph.D. – First and Last name (e.g., Bighorn Ph.D. – James Cain). Applications will be reviewed as they are received and until a suitable candidate is found.