Description
Description: We are seeking applicants for a fully funded Ph.D. assistantship to begin a long-term study on desert bighorn sheep nutrition, population ecology, and the impacts of recreation in Franklin Mountain State Park (FMSP), Texas. The study has 3 primary focal efforts related to desert bighorn sheep ecology, including:1) habitat selection and nutritional carrying capacity within FMSP, 2) population ecology related to demographics and dynamics such as survival, recruitment, and abundance, and 3) impacts of human recreation on behavior and space use. The successful applicant will work on all aspects of this study, so preference will be for students with strong quantitative skills and experience with wildlife nutrition. The student will be responsible for assisting with study design and for collecting, managing, analyzing, and disseminating data. The student will gain valuable experience with project management, data collection and management, animal capture, vegetation sampling and monitoring, ungulate nutrition sampling and analyses, statistical modeling, and working effectively with state agencies and other constituents.
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.
Texas A&M opened its doors in 1876 as the state's first public institution of higher learning. Texas A&M University is dedicated to the discovery, development, communication, and application of knowledge in a wide range of academic and professional fields. Its mission of providing the highest quality undergraduate and graduate programs is inseparable from its mission of developing new understandings through research and creativity. It prepares students to assume roles in leadership and service to society. It welcomes and seeks to serve people of all racial, ethnic, and geographic groups as it addresses the needs of an increasingly diverse population and global economy. Texas A&M's triple designation as a Land, Sea, and Space-Grant institution reflects the broad scope of its research endeavors.
Requirements
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
GIS and programming skills
Knowledge or experience in planning, coordinating, and conducting field activities
Strong work ethic and self-motivated
Willingness and desire to work in challenging terrain, sometimes under adverse conditions (hot, dry, cacti, biting/stinging insects, venomous snakes)
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with wildlife nutrition, vegetation sampling, camera surveys, population monitoring, movement and habitat analyses, animal tracking (VHF and GPS-based), and animal capture and handling
Proficiency with GIS and programming (such as R), and working with large datasets
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 1July2026. The position includes a graduate stipend of up to $30,000/year plus health insurance (for the student only), tuition, 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 and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
To Apply: Please email the following as a single PDF file (if possible): 1) cover letter,2) curriculumvitae,3) contact information (i.e., name, affiliation, email, and phone number) for 3 references, and 4) undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial versions accepted) to marcus.blum@ag.tamu.edu. Please place the following in the subject line: Bighorn Ph.D.– First and Last name (e.g., Bighorn Ph.D.–Marcus Blum).Applications will be reviewed as they are received and until a suitable candidate is found.
Contact Person: Marcus Blum
Contact Email: marcus.blum@ag.tamu.edu
