Invasive guineagrass effects on the breeding ecology of Northern Bobwhite

Position Description:  We are recruiting one Ph.D. student to conduct research in South Texas to evaluate the effects of guineagrass, an invasive bunchgrass on Northern Bobwhite ecology during the breeding season via a mechanistic approach. Specifically, we aim to assess the effects of guineagrass on the breeding success (e.g., clutch size, hatching success, brood survival) of bobwhite, and on the potential mechanisms underscoring such changes including (1) food availability, (2) predation risk, and (3) thermal environment. Data collected will provide insight into how guineagrass affects key demographic traits of bobwhite, and in doing inform guidelines that aim to mitigate guineagrass effects, and thus support bobwhite, an economically important species in South Texas. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Jennifer Smith and will have the opportunity to develop additional research questions aligned with the project goals.

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct fieldwork in South Texas to trap and tag Northern Bobwhite, monitor breeding attempts, and assess bobwhite food availability, predation risk, and thermal environment
  • Oversee field technicians during fieldwork
  • Data management
  • Apply statistical analysis used in assessments of breeding productivity, survival, resource selection, and space use
  • Liaise and collaborate with private landowners
  • Present research findings at conferences and via peer-reviewed journal articles

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

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 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 2025 preferable, but open to negotiation

Application Deadline: 18th April 2025

To Apply: Submit an application packet as a single PDF including: (1) one-page letter of interest, (2) CV or resume, (3) unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts, and (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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