Application Deadline: December 19, 2026
LOCATION: USA
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. 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.
ELIGIBILITY:
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.
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.
They 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.
Interested applicants should email a single PDF containing:
A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and interest in this project
Curriculum vitae
Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts
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.
Contact: William Severud William.Severud@sdstate.edu (preferred contact method)
BENEFIT:
Salary: starting at $26,400 per year
Experience Required: at least 3 years
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.
