POSITION TITLE: Graduate student opportunites

Hiring Organization/Employer:  Illinois State University
Application Deadline:  12/31/2026
Education Required:  PhD
Location:  Normal, IL 

Description:  

 Our research group investigates how animals perceive, learn about, and respond to the
challenges and opportunities of living in human-altered environments. We are particularly
interested in how individual di erences shape wildlife responses to urbanization, influence
human-wildlife interactions, and inform coexistence strategies. Looking forward, we will
explore how early life experiences, social learning, and cultural transmission further shape
animal behavior within and across cities.
We value partnerships with local communities and recognize community science and
public engagement as necessary for not only understanding urban wildlife, but also for the
development of e ective, equitable approaches to human-wildlife coexistence. 

Responsibilities:  

 Graduate students will contribute to an ongoing research program investigating the
behavior and ecology of urban raccoons (Procyon lotor) in San Francisco, California. This
Bay Area Raccoon Project includes a substantial existing dataset, providing opportunities
to investigate questions related to urban animal physiology, health, behavior, cognition,
social interactions, movement, and space use.
MS Student (1 position)
The MS student will primarily use existing GPS and biologging data from the Bay Area
Raccoon Project for their thesis chapters. This position is particularly well suited to
someone interested in asking novel questions by integrating behavioral, animal telemetry,
and geospatial datasets.
Potential research topics include individual- and neighborhood-level di erences in
raccoon activity, health, and risk-taking behavior. The student will work closely with existing
collaborators to develop focused, independent research questions using available data.
Previous research or field experience is expected (see more below). Basic familiarity with R
and statistical analyses is required. Additional experience with data analysis, GIS, writing,
or science communication is highly desirable.

PhD Student (1 position)
The PhD student will contribute to the existing Bay Area Raccoon Project as part of their
dissertation (1–2 chapters), while also developing new, independent investigations (2–3
additional chapters).
Experimental investigations will likely involve additional fieldwork and data collection with
raccoons in San Francisco, although opportunities to develop complementary research in
Illinois, or with other species, may also be possible. The student will have substantial
opportunities to develop independent research questions and pursue work at the
intersection of animal behavior, cognition, urban ecology, and human-wildlife interactions.
Experience developing hypotheses, conducting independent research, analyzing data, and
communicating findings through presentations or publications is expected. Proficiency in R
and experience with statistical analyses are strongly preferred. A publication, manuscript
in preparation, or other evidence of research productivity is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:  

 We are looking for motivated, creative, and collaborative students with demonstrated
experience working in research or applied animal settings. Competitive applicants will
have some combination of the following:
 Research interests: A strong interest in animal cognition, as well as wildlife
behavior, movement ecology, urban ecology, and conservation biology.
 Research experience: Previous experience in an academic research laboratory,
field research project, or a related setting.
 Animal experience: Experience working with animals in a field, zoo, wildlife
rehabilitation center, veterinary clinic, or similar professional setting.
 Quantitative skills: Basic knowledge of R and statistics, with some understanding
of multivariate analyses. Experience or interest in developing skills in machine
learning, GIS/spatial analyses, and computational approaches to classifying animal
behavior from biologging data is highly desirable.
 Communication: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to
communicate e ectively with both academic and non-academic audiences (e.g.,
when engaging with the public). Organizational and leadership skills are also
desirable. We especially value individuals who are enthusiastic, collaborative, and
bring curiosity to their work. 

How to Apply:  

 Interested applicants should email Dr. Lauren Stanton at lastanton@berkeley.edu with the
following materials in a single PDF file labeled with the applicant’s last name:
 A CV or resume.
 A brief statement describing their research interests, relevant experience,
quantitative skills, and reasons for wanting to join the lab. Please indicate whether
you are applying for the MS or PhD position.
 Contact information for 3 references.
Please state “Application for ISU graduate position” in the email subject line