PhD Student Opportunity in Wildlife Disease Ecology and Molecular Parasitology
South Dakota State University (State) | https://www.sdstate.edu/
Details
Application Deadline:
12/15/2025
Published:
10/07/2025
Starting Date:
after 1/5/2026
Hours per Week:
40
Salary:
$24,000 to $26,000 per year
Education Required:
Masters
Experience Required:
at least 2 years
Locations:
McFadden Biostress Laboratory 138 (Brookings, South Dakota)
Grand Portage Indian Reservation (Minnesota)
Grand Portage Indian Reservation (Minnesota)
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Description
We are recruiting a PhD student to join our lab for an exciting project based at the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, where moose (Alces alces) are an ecologically and culturally important species for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
The student will investigate mineral licks as potential hotspots of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) transmission between white-tailed deer and moose, focusing on the role of terrestrial gastropods that may be concentrated in these areas. The project integrates fieldwork in collaboration with the Grand Portage community and molecular methods to detect parasite infections in gastropods.
Research Focus
- Field surveys at mineral licks to assess gastropod communities and environmental conditions
- Development and application of molecular assays (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing) to screen gastropods for meningeal worm infection
- Integration of field and molecular results to evaluate disease risk for moose populations
- Engagement with Indigenous ecological knowledge and literature to inform research design and interpretation
Desired Background
We are looking for candidates who are:
- Interested in disease ecology, wildlife health, and conservation biology
- Skilled or eager to develop both laboratory (molecular methods) and field-based research experience
- Familiar with or committed to learning from Indigenous ecological perspectives
- Highly motivated, collaborative, and adaptable to working across disciplines and communities
Qualifications
- MS in biology, ecology, parasitology, molecular biology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Experience with molecular lab work and/or field sampling in ecology or wildlife biology is an asset
- Strong communication skills and an interest in Indigenous science and co stewardship
Application Instructions
To apply, please send the following to Dr. Bill Severud (william.severud@sdstate.edu) and Dr. Seth Moore (samoore@boreal.org):
- A cover letter describing your background, research interests, and fit for the position
- A CV including relevant experience
- Contact information for 2–3 references
Review of applications will begin now and continue until the position is filled.
Contact
William Severud
William.Severud@sdstate.edu (preferred contact method)