Texas A&M University-Kingsville · Texas · posted today
Position Description: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of cervids. The disease is 100% fatal, yet genetic variants are known to affect transmission of CWD and longevity of affected animals. None provide complete resistance, unlike in domestic sheep, where prion gene alleles provide complete resistance to scrapie. To date, most studies of genetic variation associated with CWD susceptibility in free-ranging mule and white-tailed deer have been done in areas far from the core of the species’ ranges. The central-marginal hypothesis predicts that more genetic variation should occur near the core of a species range than at the periphery. Therefore, a survey of other geographic regions may reveal additional genetic variation. In Texas, CWD is present in free-ranging deer in the Panhandle–Trans-Pecos regions and in Medina County of South Texas. The goal of this research is to better understand genetic variation in free-ranging Texas mule and white-tailed deer, especially genetic variants associated with CWD susceptibility. The results of this study will have direct input into applied management for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as well as the USDA. The student will work closely with state, federal, and private entities in collaboration with scientists from the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, have the opportunity to present research at regional and national scientific conferences and to stakeholders, and will be expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed journals. Location: Successful applicant will pursue a M.S. in Rangeland and Wildlife Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute is a privately endowed research unit embedded in the university, with 28 scientists and about 65 M.S. and Ph.D. students. TAMUK has an enrollment of about 7,000 and is located in Kingsville, a city of about 26,000 in the south coastal plains. Kingsville is surrounded by the historic King Ranch and is about 40 miles south of Corpus Christi. Field portion of the research (sample collection) will be conducted on private lands in Texas. Qualifications Required: B.S. degree in ecology, wildlife science, biology, or related fields. Competitive applicants will have a strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, quantitative skills, and the ability to work independently as well as a productive member of a research team. Students should have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preferred: Background and interest in large mammals or disease ecology. Familiarity with DNA extraction and analysis of DNA sequence data or quantitative or programming skills (R, Python, etc.) would be helpful but not required. • Texas law requires that males age 18 through 25 show proof of compliance with Federal Selective Service law to be eligible for employment. • Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation to be hired for this position. • EEO/AA/ADA Stipend/Salary: $2,000/month plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period). Non-resident tuition is waived; resident tuition fees apply but will be reimbursed. Start Date: Negotiable, prefer January 2027. Application Deadline: Begin reviewing applications as received and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To Apply: Application packet must consist of 1) cover letter stating interests and career goals, 2) resume or CV, 3) academic transcripts and 4) contact information for 3 references. Send the application as a single PDF file via e-mail with a subject line of ‘CWD Genetics MS application’ to: Randy DeYoung, PhD Research Scientist and Professor Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363 Email: r.deyoung@tamuk.edu
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