Natural Resources Job Board

The Department of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University is recruiting a Ph.D. student with strong interests in feral swine management, zoonotic disease transmission, One Health issues, and/or invasive species management. The student will participate in an integrated research program evaluating the impact of feral swine on rangeland/watershed health, their role as a pathogen reservoir, and potential mitigation strategies. The student will be responsible for monitoring interactions between feral swine, livestock, and native wildlife as well as collecting and evaluating biological samples (e.g., fecal, blood, and stomach content samples) from feral swine for to assess zoonotic pathogens and dietary preferences. The successful candidate will be expected to oversee project management at research locations, travel to field sites, sometimes work under adverse conditions (hot/arid), manage data, collaborate across project tasks and teams, and communicate findings via presentations and publications.  The student selected will receive a compensation package that includes an annual salary of $22,000, fringe benefits, and tuition. The student will be admitted to Texas Tech Graduate School, upon the fulfillment of all application requirements, under the Ph.D. program in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management in the Department of Natural Resources Management. The position is anticipated to start in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 depending on the identification of a suitable candidate. 

 

Required Qualifications: 

·       B.S. and M.S. degree in natural resources management, animal science, biology, environmental science, ecology, or a related field

·       GPA of 3.0 or greater in previous degree programs

·       Self-motivated, dedicated, and able to work individually and in team settings

·       Strong written and oral communication skills

·       Valid U.S. driver’s license or ability to obtain one

·       Able to lift 40 pounds

·       Able to conduct fieldwork in physically demanding conditions (e.g., heat, sun exposure, wind, cold)

 

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Experience with field-based biological measurements

·       Familiarity with collecting and analyzing biological samples

·       Proficient with statistical analyses and GIS software

·       Creative and innovative problem-solving abilities

 

Interested students should send application materials and/or questions directly to Dr. Aaron Norris (aaron.norris@ttu.edu). 

 

Application materials must include:

·       CV

·       Cover letter describing research experience, interests, and qualifications

·       Unofficial transcripts

·       English proficiency examination scores if applicable

·       Names and contact information for three professional references

 

Application materials should be submitted before August 15, 2025, to be given full consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.