Sul Ross State University
Just Landed
Posted Yesterday
PhD or MS Graduate Research Assistantship in Cinnamon Teal Movement Ecology Sul Ross State University in United States
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Graduate assistantship salary is listed at $18,000 to $30,000 per year. The position involves 20–40 hours per week. The post does not specify tuition coverage or other benefits.
Deadline
Dec 11, 2026
Country
United States
University
Sul Ross State University
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
The Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University is seeking a graduate research assistant for a PhD or two Master’s positions focused on cinnamon teal movement ecology. The project will track approximately 100 cinnamon teal using GSM-GPS units after capture at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge in southern Nevada, a major bottleneck in the interior Pacific Flyway.
Research objectives include estimating migration strategies and time spent at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, linking the refuge with breeding and wintering areas, and conducting network connectivity analyses using Random Forest modeling. Results will support wetland management and conservation decisions at local, regional, and national scales.
Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in wildlife science, natural resources, environmental science, ecology, or a related discipline. GIS, remote sensing, and quantitative-analysis experience or coursework is preferred, as is demonstrated interest in movement ecology, wetland ecology, wetland-dependent wildlife conservation, or resource selection. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with agency partners are required.
The assistantship pays $18,000–$30,000 per year and involves 20–40 hours per week. The expected start date is between January 1 and January 13, 2027, with the project ending between May 1 and May 15, 2030. Sul Ross State University is developing a PhD program and has an agreement with Texas Tech University for coursework at both institutions. Dr. Dan Collins and Dr. Conway will serve as co-PIs, with collaboration from Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge and Pacific Flyway state agency biologists.
Applications are due December 11, 2026. Applicants should first email Dr. Dan Collins a letter of interest identifying the preferred assistantship level and a resume, then apply through the PhD or MS application portal. Required materials include a resume, letter of intent, transcripts, two recommendation letters, and GRE scores, with a potential GRE waiver.
Funding details
Graduate assistantship salary is listed at $18,000 to $30,000 per year. The position involves 20–40 hours per week. The post does not specify tuition coverage or other benefits.
What's required
Applicants must hold a B.S. or M.S. in Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, or a related field. Experience or coursework in GIS, remote sensing, and quantitative analysis is preferred. Applicants should demonstrate interest in movement ecology, wetland ecology, wetland-dependent wildlife conservation, or resource selection, along with strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with agency partners. A resume, letter of intent, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores are required; GRE scores may potentially be waived. Applicants should first send a letter of interest indicating the desired assistantship level and a resume to Dr. Collins.
How to apply
Before applying officially, email a letter of interest stating whether you seek the PhD or MS assistantship and your resume to Dr. Dan Collins at [email protected]. Then submit the required application documents through the appropriate Sul Ross State University portal: PhD at https://sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/9635 or MS at https://sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/9443.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.