Dr. Rebecca Lewison and Dr. Megan Jennings in the Conservation Ecology Lab at San Diego State University (SDSU) seek a self-motivated and hardworking graduate student at the Ph.D. level to conduct research on Peninsular desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) population ecology and conservation through population, habitat/resource use, and predation modeling in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The goal of this project is to update population information and the role of predation in the distinct population segment of desert bighorn sheep located in southern California’s Peninsular Range to inform recovery planning for the species, which is listed as threatened under California’s Endangered Species Act and endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The research project will focus on applied conservation science, as well as wildlife, landscape, and population ecology. Potential research questions may include topics related to predation risk from pumas (Puma concolor) in a multi-prey system and factors affecting habitat or resource utilization and population persistence (e.g., drought).
Minimum qualifications:
Preferred qualifications:
To apply, submit the following to Dr. Megan Jennings (mjennings@sdsu.edu) with the subject line “Bighorn Sheep PhD Assistantship”. Application review will begin October 4 and applications will be accepted through October 15, 2021:
We’re interested in applicants who are able to start before the academic year (e.g., Spring 2022). Selected applicant will also be required to apply for admission to the Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology between SDSU and the University of California, Davis. Applications for Fall 2022 admission to the Joint Doctoral Program are due to UC Davis on December 1, 2021. Abbreviated applications to SDSU are by request after initial review.
Minimum qualifications:
- Overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 for the last 60 semester units, and have demonstrated superior performance in upper division course work in the major.
- For foreign students, a minimum score on the TOEFL exam of 550 (paper exam) or 80 (computer-based exam) is required.
- Completed courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics. Minimum requirements include one year of general chemistry, one year of physics, a course in calculus, and a course in biostatistics.
- A demonstrated preparation and capacity for doctoral work in the field of ecology.
Preferred qualifications:
- Demonstrated interest in conservation and wildlife population ecology
- Strong quantitative skills and experience with coding and analysis in R
- Experience in independent research and development of research questions
- Experience working in rugged field conditions
- Strong writing skills
To apply, submit the following to Dr. Megan Jennings (mjennings@sdsu.edu) with the subject line “Bighorn Sheep PhD Assistantship”. Application review will begin October 4 and applications will be accepted through October 15, 2021:
- Cover letter summarizing your interest in the position, qualifications, experience, and research and career goals
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts (unofficial ok)
- Names and contacts for three professional references
We’re interested in applicants who are able to start before the academic year (e.g., Spring 2022). Selected applicant will also be required to apply for admission to the Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology between SDSU and the University of California, Davis. Applications for Fall 2022 admission to the Joint Doctoral Program are due to UC Davis on December 1, 2021. Abbreviated applications to SDSU are by request after initial review.
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