M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship – Range Management / Grazing Ecology
Kansas State University (State) | https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/tobin-colin/
Details
Application Deadline:
12/31/2026
Published:
05/15/2026
Starting Date:
after 8/17/2026
Hours per Week:
at least 20
Salary:
Commensurate / Negotiable
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 2 years
Location:
MANHATTAN, Kansas
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Description
We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. or Ph.D. student to begin Fall 2026 Spring 2027. The position will be housed within the Department of Agronomy under the direction of Dr. Colin Tobin.
Research in the program focuses on applied rangeland ecology and livestock grazing systems across the Great Plains. Current and developing projects include:
- Livestock foraging behavior and grazing distribution
- Targeted grazing for invasive species management
- Precision livestock technologies (GPS collars, virtual fencing, remote sensing)
- Fire–grazing interactions in grassland ecosystems
- Integrated livestock and wildlife interactions on working landscapes
The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent research project while contributing to collaborative field research. Opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaboration in range science, animal science, soil science, ecology, precision agriculture, and data analytics.
Qualifications:
Preferred applicants should possess: 1) B.S. (for M.S. applicants) or M.S. (for Ph.D. applicants) in range science, animal science, natural resources, ecology, agronomy, wildlife biology, or a related discipline, 2) written and oral communication skills, 3) interest in field-based research and quantitative data analysis, 4) experience with livestock systems, GIS, drone technology, or statistical software is beneficial but not required, 5) ability to work independently and as part of a research team, and 6) work in adverse field conditions and traverse rugged terrain.
Preferred applicants should possess: 1) B.S. (for M.S. applicants) or M.S. (for Ph.D. applicants) in range science, animal science, natural resources, ecology, agronomy, wildlife biology, or a related discipline, 2) written and oral communication skills, 3) interest in field-based research and quantitative data analysis, 4) experience with livestock systems, GIS, drone technology, or statistical software is beneficial but not required, 5) ability to work independently and as part of a research team, and 6) work in adverse field conditions and traverse rugged terrain.
Assistantship Details:
The assistantship includes a competitive stipend. Start date is negotiable but prefer June 2026, August 2026, or Jan 2027.
The assistantship includes a competitive stipend. Start date is negotiable but prefer June 2026, August 2026, or Jan 2027.
Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, Kansas, within the Flint Hills region, home to the largest remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystem in North America and extensive opportunities for applied rangeland research.
To Apply:
Application packet must consist of 1) cover letter stating interests and career goals, 2) a CV, 3) copy of unofficial academic transcripts, and 4) names and contact information for three professional references.
Send the application as 1 PDF file via e-mail with a subject line of ‘Tallgrass prairie GRA opportunity at KSU’ to:
Dr. Colin Tobin
Assistant Professor, Range Management
Department of Agronomy
Kansas State University
Email: cttobin@ksu.edu
To Apply:
Application packet must consist of 1) cover letter stating interests and career goals, 2) a CV, 3) copy of unofficial academic transcripts, and 4) names and contact information for three professional references.
Send the application as 1 PDF file via e-mail with a subject line of ‘Tallgrass prairie GRA opportunity at KSU’ to:
Dr. Colin Tobin
Assistant Professor, Range Management
Department of Agronomy
Kansas State University
Email: cttobin@ksu.edu
Contact
Colin Tobin
cttobin@ksu.edu (preferred contact method)