Primary Responsibilities:
The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) HOME - BORDERLANDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE at Sul Ross State University https://www.sulross.edu/ is seeking a motivated Visiting Professor/Research Scientist focused on Carnivore Ecology, with an anticipated start in Fall 2025. We seek a scholar to lead and assist research on carnivore species such as black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes, and other mesocarnivores native to the Chihuahuan Desert. The successful candidate will develop a research program that explores carnivore movement ecology, predator-prey dynamics, and habitat use across desert landscapes. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ecological roles of carnivores in arid environments, interactions with prey populations, and responses to land management practices. Experience with GPS collar data, remote sensing, and advanced spatial/statistical analysis is highly desirable. The successful applicant will collaborate with private landowners, state and federal agencies, and other BRI. 

 Key Responsibilities:

•   Develop an independent and collaborative research program on carnivore ecology in the Chihuahuan Desert.

•   Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to address ecological questions tied to predator­ prey relationships, habitat connectivity, etc.

•   Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the field and analytical research.

•   Secure competitive external funding through grants and partnerships.

•   Publish research findings in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.

•   Engage with landowners, agencies, and the public.

Qualifications:
•   A Ph.D. in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or a closely related field.
•   Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
•   Basic programming skills in the R language.
•   Strong publication record in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.
•   Commitment to teaching and student mentorship.

 Preferred Qualifications:
•   Experience conducting fieldwork on carnivores in arid or semi-arid environments.
•   Expertise in carnivore diet analysis, predator-prey dynamics, or spatial ecology.
•   Experience with GPS telemetry, camera trap data analysis, and landscape connectivity modeling.
•   Familiarity with spatial statistics and software (e.g., R).
•   Demonstrated success in working with private landowners and stakeholders in wildlife conservation.

About SRSU:
Sul Ross State University, located in Alpine, Texas (www.alpinetexas.com), is in the Scenic Davis Mountains of West Texas, is a member of the Texas State University System, is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students on campus in Alpine, Texas. At an elevation of 4,480 feet, and on the periphery of the Chihuahuan Desert, Alpine enjoys mild winters and cool summers. Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Big Bend National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, are all within one to three hours driving distance from Alpine. More information is available regarding Sul Ross State University and position openings through our website (https://www.sulross.edu/). 
 

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.