Position description: The Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab and Patton Center for Deer Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M Kingsville are thrilled to announce a Ph.D. opportunity to investigate mountain lion (Puma concolor) foraging ecology in private ranchlands of South Texas, with a particular interest in depredation of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The chosen student will employ GPS collars, kill site investigations, and camera traps to elucidate mountain lion survival, space use, and foraging ecology. Analytical techniques will likely include mark-recapture, occupancy, and resource selection. The student will also have many opportunities to take part in live captures of ocelots, bobcats, and white-tailed deer conducted by the team on other properties.

This position will be co-advised by Drs. Lisanne Petracca and Michael Cherry. We expect to recruit a student who is passionate about carnivore and ungulate ecology AND ready for the challenges of working in hot, dense thornscrub habitat with temperatures that are regularly in the 80s-90s+. Interested applicants should note that the cover letter addressing motivations and qualifications will be the most important factor in choosing the finalist pool.

Position supervisors: Dr. Lisanne Petracca, Assistant Professor of Carnivore Ecology, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, and Dr. Michael Cherry, Stuart W. Stedman Chair for White-tailed Deer Research, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Position location: Kingsville, TX

Stipend/Salary: $2,200 per month plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period) and nonresident tuition waived (resident tuition fees apply but will be reimbursed to ensure a full tuition waiver)

Start date: August 1, 2023

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications:

Desired qualifications:

How to Apply:

Please submit a *single .pdf* to Dr. Lisanne Petracca at lisanne.petracca@tamuk.edu titled “PhD_Position_MountainLion_ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName.” For example, if your name is Amanda Clark, your single .pdf will be titled “PhD_Position_MountainLion_Clark_Amanda.pdf.”

Importantly, this .pdf should have

1. a (max) one-page, single-spaced letter of interest that describes your qualifications and how this position fits into your career goals

2. a CV that includes contact information (phone and email) for three references that can attest to your professional and academic abilities

3. unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate and Master’s institutions

4. a writing sample (such as your Master’s thesis, published manuscript, or written product from a class project)

Please apply by 11:59 PM PST May 21, 2023 for full consideration, though the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Texas law requires that males 18 through 25 show proof of compliance with Federal Selective Service law in order to be eligible for employment. Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation to be hired for this position.

EEO/AA/ADA