Students interested in wildlife biology, movement ecology, and spatial ecology are encouraged to apply for a fully supported graduate research position at Utah State University (USU) through the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jessica Sanchez from the Department of Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences, along with Dr. Julie Young from the Department of Wildland Resources, will oversee the role.
Cougar movement ecology will be the main focus of the study, with a particular focus on how female cougars’ movement habits change as their young mature and gain greater mobility. In addition to examining den site selection and behavioural adaptations across predator-dominated settings, the project will look into whether maternal behaviour might predict litter mortality.
The structure of this assistantship is flexible; it can be pursued as an MS or PhD track, with the possibility of starting as an MS and switching to a PhD after a year. No fieldwork is necessary because the study will rely on pre-existing datasets.
Students will contribute to applied animal conservation research while developing advanced skills in GIS, spatial modelling, and behavioural ecology. Located at one of the top research universities in the country, candidates will gain from USU’s stellar reputation in veterinary medicine, ecology, and wildlife science. They will also have the chance to collaborate directly with top-notch faculty members.
Host Country: USA
University: Utah State University
Opportunity Type: Masters, PhD
Subjects: Ecology, Wildlife Ecology, Biology, veterinary medicine
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, biological sciences, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated strengths in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior research experience in wildlife biology, quantitative ecology, or movement ecology.
- A strong foundation in spatial analysis and animal tracking datasets.
- Experience in scientific writing, publication, and professional dissemination of research.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and apply spatial models to assess behavioral states and habitat/resource use.
- Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research group.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national/international conferences.
- Engage with stakeholders and professional organizations, ensuring research outcomes are widely shared and applied.
Benefits:
- Complete Coverage of Funding
- Health insurance, tuition, and university fees are all totally covered.
- Master’s student stipend
- $22,000 stipend per year.
- Time frame: two years.
- Doctoral Students’ Stipend
- $26,000 stipend per year.
- Duration: three years, with options to become a Teaching Assistant (TA) allowing for an extension.
Deadline: Open
