South Dakota State University · South Dakota · posted 9 days ago
South Dakota State University | Severud Wildlife Ecology Lab Anticipated start: January 2027 The Severud Wildlife Ecology Lab at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to study Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep population ecology and restoration in the Greater Badlands ecosystem of South Dakota. Bighorn sheep in and around Badlands National Park experienced a severe respiratory disease outbreak beginning in 2021, resulting in substantial adult mortality, prolonged recruitment failure, and an estimated 80% population decline. Following several years of intensive disease surveillance and management, Badlands National Park and its partners are transitioning from disease management to active population recovery. A major component of this recovery effort will be augmentation of the population with bighorn sheep from disease-free source populations. The successful applicant will have the unusual opportunity to begin a PhD at the outset of this large-scale restoration effort and evaluate how resident and translocated bighorn sheep respond to population augmentation. Research The PhD project will focus broadly on the demographic and ecological response of bighorn sheep to population augmentation and recovery. The student will work with GPS/VHF telemetry, population surveys, recruitment monitoring, mortality investigations, GIS data, and existing long-term datasets. Potential research topics include: · Survival and causes of mortality of resident and translocated bighorn sheep · Post-translocation movements, establishment, and integration with resident subherds · Habitat use and factors associated with successful establishment · Reproduction, lamb recruitment, and population growth · Demographic responses to augmentation · Development of monitoring and analytical approaches to inform future augmentation and long-term bighorn sheep management The project will also include continued disease surveillance and collection of biological samples that may support complementary genetic or other analyses. These activities are important components of the broader restoration program but are not intended to prescribe separate dissertation chapters. Specific dissertation questions will be developed collaboratively by the student, SDSU, National Park Service, and project partners based on the student’s interests, available data, and management needs. Collaboration and Fieldwork This is a highly collaborative and applied project involving South Dakota State University, Badlands National Park, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority, and other state, Tribal, federal, and academic partners. The student will participate in bighorn sheep capture and translocation activities, telemetry and population monitoring, mortality investigations, data management and analysis, and communication of results to project partners. The student will work closely with experienced agency biologists and field personnel while taking the lead on research and analyses contributing to their dissertation. Qualifications Applicants should have: · An M.S. degree in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resources, or a closely related field by the anticipated start date · Experience conducting wildlife field research · Strong interest in wildlife population ecology, quantitative ecology, and applied conservation · Experience with R and statistical analysis, or demonstrated potential and interest in developing strong quantitative skills · Strong written and oral communication skills · Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of project partners · Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork under challenging conditions · A valid driver’s license Experience with GPS/VHF telemetry, ungulates, wildlife capture and handling, survival or demographic analysis, GIS/spatial analysis, or population modeling is desirable but not required. Applicants are not expected to have experience in all of these areas. We are particularly interested in candidates who combine scientific curiosity, quantitative potential, field experience, strong communication skills, and an interest in conducting research that directly informs wildlife conservation and management. Funding and Timing The anticipated start date is January 2027. The project is being developed as a four-year PhD research and restoration project, with graduate stipend, tuition support, research expenses, field support, and professional travel incorporated into the funding structure. Final funding and administrative agreements are currently being completed. About the Severud Wildlife Ecology Lab The Severud Wildlife Ecology Lab is housed in the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Our lab conducts applied wildlife research in close collaboration with state, federal, and Tribal partners, with particular interests in ungulate ecology, population dynamics, wildlife disease, and wildlife conservation and management. More information about the lab and SDSU’s graduate program can be provided upon request. How to Apply Interested applicants should email a single PDF containing: 1. A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and interest in this project 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts 4. Contact information for three professional references In your cover letter, please describe your experience with wildlife field research and quantitative analysis and identify the aspects of this project that most interest you.
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