Natural Resources Job Board

 

Graduate Assistantship (M.S.), Grassland Plant Ecology 

 

I am seeking a highly motivated individual to join a collaborative team studying the role of a dominant grazer in replanted, native grasslands.  The project utilizes sites that are part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)—one of the largest grassland restoration initiatives in the U.S.  For example in Kansas, the CRP program has re-established approximately 1 million acres of native grassland; however, most of these sites do not include a dominant grazer despite the critical role that bison historically played in these systems.  Our project tests whether strategic cattle-grazing can enhance the conservation benefits to native plant communities and bird habitat in short and tallgrass prairie regions (Colorado and Kansas).  Two specific project objectives for this graduate position are to 1) quantify how grazers influence plant structural heterogeneity in ways that may improve habitat for wildlife and 2) examine how grazers influence the re-establishment of native plants.  

 

This M.S. position requires someone who is self-motivated, works well with a team of field researchers, and has a strong interest in ecology.  The project will involve extensive fieldwork in Kansas and Colorado particularly during the summers.  Some knowledge of grassland plants is preferred, but strong students with the aptitude to learn plants quickly will also be considered.  Because we will be collaborating with private landowners, experience working in the United States is required as well as proficiency in spoken and written English.  Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in ecology, biology, or a related field and must meet the requirements for admission at Wichita State University.  Successful applicants will receive a 2-year assistantship with an annual stipend of $25,000 along with a tuition waiver and health benefits. This position begins January 2026.   To apply, email your CV, a transcript, and a letter describing your research interests and future goals to Dr. Greg Houseman (greg.houseman@wichita.edu).  An unofficial transcript will suffice for the initial application with an official copy needed if accepted into the program.  You do not need to apply to the Graduate School until you have been accepted into my lab.  Review of applications will begin Sept 15, 2025 and will continue until the positions is filled.  Please contact me if you have any questions! 

 

Wichita State University is a research-intensive university set in an urban area (~540,000 people including surrounding suburbs) yet close to numerous high quality grasslands including the iconic Flint Hills region. Wichita offers many opportunities for cultural/artistic activities and low cost-of-living. The Department of Biological Sciences at WSU includes core facilities in environmental biology, imaging and bioinformatics, an animal care facility, greenhouse, and a Biological Field Station. Previous graduate students have gone on to Ph.D. programs or are employed by state and federal agencies, NGOs, and private businesses. More information about the Department, including a complete list of facilities, and current Graduate Faculty and their teaching and research interests is available on our web site at: http://www.wichita.edu/biology/. Information about graduate school at WSU is available at https://www.wichita.edu/academics/graduate_school/index.php 

 

 

Greg Houseman 

Professor & Director WSU Biological Field Station 

Department of Biological Sciences 

Wichita State University 

email: greg.houseman@wichita.edu 

www.wichita.edu/biology/ghouseman