Description
Project Description: The Padilla Applied Wildlife Science (PAWS) group at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is in search of a PhD student to work on projects using camera traps and disease surveillance to better inform population management and understanding of epidemiology in multi-host systems. The student will have the opportunity to work on one of two projects touching on these themes.
One is focused on population ecology and demographic modeling of an invasive ungulate (Ammotragus lervia) in the Chihuahuan Desert and how disease status, particularly Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae), influences populations and management decision making. This project will combine field data from non-invasive (camera trap, fecal sampling) and invasive (GPS telemetry, harvest sampling) methods to estimate population size and population vital rates with the goal of parameterizing a demographic model to inform management. Field work for his project is at a rugged and remote UTEP research ranch along the US-Mexico border.
The second project is an urban wildlife project with a focus on describing drivers of species distributions and diversity across an urbanization gradient in El Paso County. A primary aim for this project is to monitor disease within the mammal community (including wild and free-roaming domestics) and to develop maps of disease status and spread based on animal (host) populations and pathogen epidemiology. This project includes camera trapping and live-trapping. We are also hoping to develop a larger project with collaborators at Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez to look at urban wildlife distribution, diversity, and health across an international border. Ability to speak Spanish (or an interest in learning) is a plus, but not required.
This position will be funded through a mix of RA and TA and includes tuition remission and a competitive stipend.
About me and the lab: The PI - Benjamin Padilla - is an Assistant professor at UTEP with experience working in academia and for wildlife management agencies with the state of Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. The PAWS group aims to use sound field and quantitative approaches to answer applied questions in wildlife ecology, management and conservation through collaboration, communication, and engagement with stakeholders.
About UTEP: UTEP is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) university with an active research community and a vibrant campus at the U.S.-Mexico border. El Paso offers unique field access to desert and mountain ecosystems, as well as a dynamic cultural environment that is often a pleasant surprise to first-time visitors.
To Apply: This is a fairly quick turn around with the goal of a student starting in fall 2026. Please send a CV and a brief cover letter describing your background and why you want to pursue a PhD and your interests in the topic. Applications received by April 20th will be prioritized.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in a career in wildlife ecology and management, particularly for those who want to advance their skills with both statistical analysis and field biology. If you have questions about the university, the lab, or the project, check out the lab website (www.padilla-wildlife.weebly.com), or contact me, Benjamin Padilla (bjpadilla@utep.edu).
Requirements
Bachelors degree plus relevant experience.