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.
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
Desired qualifications:
Kingsville, TX
Dr. Lisanne Petracca, Assistant Professor of Carnivore Ecology, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
$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)
August 2026
11:59 PM PST June 7, 2026
Please submit a *single .pdf* to Program Manager Alexandra Dart at [email protected] 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:
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
