The effects of invasive guineagrass on the ecology of Northern Bobwhite

Position Description: We are recruiting one Ph.D. student to contribute to ongoing research in South Texas on the effects of guineagrass, an invasive bunchgrass on Northern Bobwhite ecology. The successful candidate will be expected to leverage movement data collected via GPS-telemetry across areas of varying guineagrass density in South Texas to explore the effects of guineagrass on the spatial ecology (e.g., movements, space use, habitat selection) of Northern Bobwhite. In addition, they will be responsible for developing additional questions within the scope of the project related to their area of interest. We particularly encourage candidates who are interested in taking a mechanistic approach to understand the effects of guineagrass on processes underlying population dynamics of Northern Bobwhite (e.g., reproductive success, survival). The successful candidate will join an existing research team exploring the effects of guineagrass on the ecology of Northern Bobwhite in South Texas and will be co-supervised by Dr. Jennifer Smith and Dr. Aaron Foley.


Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct fieldwork in South Texas to trap and tag Northern Bobwhite and to collect data related to study questions

  • Oversee field technicians during fieldwork

  • Data management

  • Apply statistical analysis used in assessments of e.g., breeding performance, survival, resource selection, space use

  • Co-develop and complete a dissertation under the mentorship of their advisor(s)

  • Liaise and collaborate with private landowners

  • Present research findings at conferences and via peer-reviewed journal articles

  • Mentor M.S. and undergraduate students


Qualifications Required: 

  • M.S. in ecology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related discipline

  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) 

  • Strong quantitative skills 

  • Demonstrated experience with statistical software (e.g., Program R) and GIS

  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

  • Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, writing)

  • Ability to conduct fieldwork in hot and humid conditions

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated involvement in trapping, handling, and banding birds

  • Experience with telemetry equipment and telemetry tag data

  • Record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations


Stipend/Salary: $2,200/month stipend 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: January or August 2026 (i.e., Spring or Fall 2026)     


Application Deadline: applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is selected


To Apply: Submit an application packet as a single PDF including: (1) one-page letter of interest, (2) CV, (3) unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts, (4) contact information for two professional references to Dr. Jennifer Smith (jennifer.smith@tamuk.edu).

For questions regarding this position: Dr. Jennifer Smith, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Email: jennifer.smith@tamuk.edu

 

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.

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