POSITION TITLE: phd student black bear population study-fall 2026

Hiring Organization/Employer:  Mississippi State University, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (State)
Application Deadline:  8/1/2026
Education Required:  Masters
Location: Mississippi State, Mississippi

Description:  

 We are seeking applicants for a fully funded Ph.D. assistantship to study black bear population dynamics and structured decision-making approaches for assessing potential harvest and monitoring plans. The position is located at Mississippi State University in the Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Carnivore and Population Ecology lab (https://www.carnivore.fwrc.msstate.edu/index.php) and under the direction of Dr. Dana Morin. The project is in collaboration with Oklahoma State University and the USGS Coop Unit, and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.  The successful applicant will work on all components of the study including leading field work (hair collection over 2 summers 2027 and 2028), overseeing genetics lab work, and data analysis including population estimation and simulation studies. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong project management, field, technical writing, and quantitative skills. 

 

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

 

 $38,800 (+full benefits including health insurance and retirement) 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

Minimum Qualifications 
·       Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife, or related field. 
·       Must have the knowledge and ability to work with minimal supervision necessary to perform duties at a high level, oversee technicians in routine operational duties, and prioritize day-to-day workloads. 
·       Must have an understanding of good field survey practices and research design in order to independently respond to a changing environment and modify schedules to ensure collection of quality data 
·       Must understand scientific principles to design, plan and carry out research projects in collaboration with Lead PI  
·       Experience with GIS and R 
·       Valid driver’s license 
 
Desired Qualifications 
·       Field work experience, preferably managing multiple technicians 
·       Strong interpersonal skills as daily interactions with landowners, state agency personnel, and other stakeholders will occur 
·       Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends when necessary in challenging terrain 
·       Previous laboratory experience or a strong desire to learn methods 
·       Strong technical writing skills 

 

 

How to Apply:  

 

Please send the following to Dr. Dana Morin (dm3090@msstate.edu) with subject line "Ozark bear PhD" 
  • One document containing 1) Cover letter describing your interest in the position, 2) Resume/CV, 3) Contact information for three professional references
  • Unofficial transcripts for bachelors and masters work 

 

Contact:  

 

Dana Morin
dm3090@msstate.edu (preferred contact method)