Scholarships
Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Wildlife Ecology — Desert Ungulate Research at UTEP
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Start Date: After January 1, 2026
Location: El Paso, Texas, USA
Annual Stipend: $25,000 – $28,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Experience Required: None
PhD Position in Desert Ungulate Ecology at the University of Texas at El Paso
The Padilla Applied Wildlife Science (PAWS) Group at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is seeking a motivated PhD student to join an exciting research project on the population ecology and demographic modeling of the invasive aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) in the Chihuahuan Desert.
This fully funded doctoral opportunity is ideal for aspiring wildlife ecologists who want to develop strong skills in field biology, population modeling, disease ecology, and applied wildlife management.
Project Overview
The successful candidate will work on a large-scale research project focused on:
- Population size estimation using invasive and non-invasive methods (camera traps, fecal sampling, GPS telemetry, harvest sampling).
- Population vital rates & demographic modeling to inform wildlife management decisions.
- Exploring interspecific interactions such as competition and predation.
- Investigating parasitology and disease ecology within desert ungulate populations.
Fieldwork will primarily take place in rugged, remote habitats along the U.S.-Mexico border, providing hands-on training in real-world conservation challenges.
About the PAWS Lab & Supervisor
The position will be supervised by Dr. Benjamin Padilla, Assistant Professor at UTEP, who has extensive experience in both academia and applied wildlife management with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The PAWS group emphasizes:
- Rigorous field and quantitative approaches
- Applied research in wildlife ecology, management, and conservation
- Strong collaboration and engagement with stakeholders
Learn more about the lab: Padilla Wildlife Lab Website
Why Choose UTEP?
- Carnegie R1 University (very high research activity)
- Active and diverse research community
- Exceptional field access to desert and mountain ecosystems
- Unique U.S.-Mexico border culture, offering a vibrant and dynamic place to live and study
Candidate Profile
Applicants should be:
- Motivated to pursue a career in wildlife ecology, management, or conservation
- Interested in both statistical analysis and field biology
- Physically prepared for challenging outdoor research in desert terrain
- Able to work independently while also thriving in collaborative research settings
No prior graduate experience is required — this is an excellent entry point for students with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related fields.
Funding Package
- Annual Stipend: $25,000 – $28,000 (competitive for the field)
- Full-time position: ~40 hours/week of research, analysis, and fieldwork
- Duration: Multi-year PhD program, with strong institutional and lab support
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief Cover Letter — Describe your academic background, career goals, and why you want to pursue this PhD opportunity.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Submit via Email to: bjpadilla@utep.edu (preferred contact method)
For more details, contact Dr. Benjamin Padilla directly, or meet him at the The Wildlife Society (TWS) Conference in Edmonton, October 2025.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This PhD project offers a rare chance to gain hands-on experience in desert wildlife ecology while building advanced quantitative and analytical skills. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in academia, wildlife research, conservation organizations, and government agencies.
If you’re passionate about wildlife ecology and ready to tackle one of the most pressing issues in desert conservation, apply today.
Contact:
Dr. Benjamin Padilla
Email: bjpadilla@utep.edu
✅ Boost your career in wildlife research with this fully funded PhD studentship — Apply before November 1, 2025.
