The Severud Wildlife Ecology Lab at South Dakota State University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD project on Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep population ecology and restoration in South Dakota.
The PhD opportunity is open to applicants with a relevant master’s degree and experience or interest in wildlife research, quantitative ecology, and conservation. The four-year project includes a graduate stipend, tuition support, research expenses, field support, and professional travel.
Requirements
To be considered for the South Dakota State University PhD Scholarship, you must have:
An M.S. degree in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resources, or a closely related field by the anticipated start date.
Experience conducting wildlife field research
Strong interest in wildlife population ecology, quantitative ecology, and applied conservation.
Experience with R and statistical analysis, or demonstrated potential and interest in developing strong quantitative skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of project partners.
Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork under challenging conditions
A valid driver’s license
Experience with GPS/VHF telemetry, ungulates, wildlife capture and handling, survival or demographic analysis, GIS/spatial analysis, or population modelling is desirable but not required.
Applicants are not expected to have experience in all of these areas.
The lab is particularly interested in candidates who combine scientific curiosity, quantitative potential, field experience, strong communication skills, and an interest in conducting research that directly informs wildlife conservation and management.
Benefits
The anticipated start date is January 2027.
The project is being developed as a four-year PhD research and restoration project, with a graduate stipend, tuition support, research expenses, field support, and professional travel incorporated into the funding structure.
Final funding and administrative agreements are currently being completed.
Required Documents
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and interest in this project
Curriculum vitae
Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Contact information for three professional references
Method of Application
Click the green button below to go to the program webpage.
Email a single PDF containing the required documents to William Severud (William.Severud@sdstate.edu)
In your cover letter, please describe your experience with wildlife field research and quantitative analysis and identify the aspects of this project that most interest you.
Click Here to Apply
Application Deadline: December 19, 2026.