Publisher
source

South Dakota State University

PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Rangeland Ecology and Riparian Restoration South Dakota State University in United States

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Research assistantship includes a monthly stipend and tuition remission. Funding is provided for 4 years. Health insurance is not provided by SDSU.

Deadline

Dec 1, 2026

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Country

United States

University

South Dakota State University

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Agriculture
Biology
Earth Science
Natural Resource Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Grazing Ecology
Restoration
Grassland Management
Statistics

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About this position

South Dakota State University is advertising a Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship in rangeland ecology focused on beaver dam analogs (BDAs), riparian restoration, grazing management, and virtual fencing in prairie streams of the Northern Great Plains.

The project is based with the Ehlert and Brennan Labs and is designed for a student interested in field-based, applied research that connects ecology, livestock management, and stakeholder engagement. The student will help study how BDAs affect riparian vegetation and stream function, how virtual fencing can support grazing management in restored pastures, and how state-and-transition models can be integrated with stream evolution models to improve adoption of restoration practices at landscape scale.

Responsibilities include field data collection, managing virtual fencing software data, analyzing data in R, scientific writing for a dissertation and peer-reviewed manuscripts, and outreach through workshops and Extension articles. The position also emphasizes professional development, conference presentations, networking, and compliance with SDSU research requirements.

Eligibility highlights: an M.S. in rangeland ecology, natural resources, animal science, ecology, or a closely related field; interest in riparian restoration, grazing management, virtual fencing, and applied research; strong communication, time management, independence, and willingness to work in rural field settings. Preferred experience includes working with beef cattle, R programming, mentoring undergraduates, and troubleshooting independently.

Funding: the assistantship includes a monthly stipend and tuition remission for 4 years. Health insurance is not provided by SDSU.

Location: office in Rapid City, South Dakota, with field work at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station near Wall, South Dakota.

Application deadline: December 1, 2026, with preference for applications received by November 6. Apply by emailing both Dr. Krista Ehlert and Dr. Jamie Brennan with a statement of interest, CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and 2–3 references.

Funding details

Research assistantship includes a monthly stipend and tuition remission. Funding is provided for 4 years. Health insurance is not provided by SDSU.

What's required

Applicants must have an M.S. in rangeland ecology, natural resources, animal science, ecology, or a closely related field. Required preferences include interest in riparian restoration, grazing management, virtual fencing, and applied research; strong work ethic; curiosity; comfort working independently in rural field settings; effective communication; strong time-management; ability to meet deadlines; and willingness to engage in stakeholder-driven research and applied outreach. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Preferred qualifications include experience working around or with beef cattle, knowledge of R statistical programming, ability to lead and mentor undergraduate research technicians, and comfort troubleshooting without constant direction.

How to apply

Email Drs. Krista Ehlert and Jamie Brennan with a 1-page statement of interest, CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 2–3 references. Put “PhD Cows and Creeks” in the subject line. Send to [email protected] and [email protected].

More information can be found here

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