What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mountain Lion Density Estimation and Population Dynamics in Val Verde County, Texas position at Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute?
Position Description
The Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M – Kingsville is pleased to announce a Ph.D. opportunity to assess mountain lion density and population dynamics in Val Verde County, Texas. This project is part of the Texas Lion Project, for which we are assessing lion movement ecology, demographics, genetics, and foraging ecology to gain a better understanding of mountain lion population status in the State of Texas. This position will be primarily focused on use of GPS collar data and noninvasive data from cameras, hair snares, and scat collection teams to evaluate density and population dynamics of mountain lions. This student would also serve on the mountain lion live capture team each winter. This position is funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and will provide required deliverables on the abundance, movement ecology, and population dynamics of mountain lions in this understudied county.
The SPEC Lab is a new and growing lab and we expect to recruit students who are passionate about carnivore conservation AND prepared for the challenges of working in rugged landscapes in temperatures that are regularly in the 80s-90s . Interested applicants should note that a thoughtful cover letter addressing motivations and both minimum and desired qualifications will be the most important factor in choosing the finalist pool.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications:
Master’s degree in Wildlife, Ecology, Statistics, or related field by the anticipated start date (Fall 2026) - A note that I will not be accepting students without a Master’s degree for this position
Proficiency in the coding language R
Proficiency in the statistical analysis of data from wildlife populations
Experience in geospatial analysis (R, ArcGIS, QGIS)
Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging environmental conditions
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Ability to meet deadlines
Excellent written and personal communication skills
Desired qualifications:
Experience deploying and monitoring camera trap arrays
Experience deploying hair snares, scat collection teams, or other noninvasive data collection methods
Experience with live-trapping, chemical immobilization, and/or GPS collaring of wildlife
Position Location
Kingsville, TX
Position Supervisor
Dr. Lisanne Petracca, Assistant Professor of Carnivore Ecology, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Stipend/Salary
$2,200 per month plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period) and full tuition waiver (nonresident tuition waived-resident tuition fees apply but will be reimbursed to ensure a full tuition waiver)
Start Date
August 2026
Deadline to Apply
11:59 PM PST June 7, 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a *single .pdf* to Program Manager Alexandra Dart at alexandra.dart@tamuk.edu titled “PhD_Position_ValVerde_ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName.” For example, if your name is Amanda Clark, your single .pdf will be titled “PhD_Position_ValVerde_Clark_Amanda.pdf.”
Importantly, this .pdf should have the following:
a (max) one-page, single-spaced letter of interest that describes your qualifications and how this position fits into your career goals
a CV that includes contact information (phone and email) for three references that can attest to your professional and academic abilities
unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate institution
an example of your scientific writing (e.g., undergraduate thesis, undergraduate capstone project, etc.)
Please apply by 11:59 PM PST June 7th, 2026 for full consideration.
Texas law requires that males 18 through 25 show proof of compliance with Federal Selective Service law in order to be eligible for employment. Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation to be hired for this position.
EEO/AA/ADA
Salary : $2,200