PhD Research and Teaching Assistant

Project Description

The Padilla Applied Wildlife Science (PAWS) group at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is searching for a PhD student to work on projects that use camera traps and disease surveillance to inform population management and epidemiology in multi-host systems. The student will have the opportunity to work on one of two projects that touch on these themes.

• Project 1: Population ecology and demographic modeling of an invasive ungulate
  * Ammotragus lervia
  * in the Chihuahuan Desert. Field data from non‑invasive methods (camera trap, fecal sampling) and invasive methods (GPS telemetry, harvest sampling) will be combined to estimate population size and vital rates. The goal is to parameterize a demographic model to inform management. Field work will take place at a rugged and remote UTEP research ranch along the US‑Mexico border.
• Project 2: Urban wildlife project focusing on drivers of species distributions and diversity across an urbanization gradient in El Paso County. Primary aims include monitoring disease within the mammal community (wild and free‑roaming domestics) and developing maps of disease status and spread based on animal populations and pathogen epidemiology. The project includes camera trapping and live‑trapping and seeks collaboration with Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez.
  
  Ability to speak Spanish (or an interest in learning) is a plus, but not required.

The position will be funded through a mix of research assistant (RA) and teaching assistant (TA) appointments and includes tuition remission and a competitive stipend.

The principal investigator, Benjamin Padilla, is an Assistant Professor at UTEP with experience in academia and with wildlife management agencies, including the State of Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. The PAWS group aims to use sound field and quantitative approaches to answer applied questions in wildlife ecology, management, and conservation through collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

UTEP is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) university located at the U.S.

-Mexico border. El Paso offers unique field access to desert and mountain ecosystems and a vibrant cultural environment that is often a pleasant surprise to first‑time visitors.

Please send a CV and a brief cover letter describing your background, why you want to pursue a PhD, and your interests in the topic. Applications received by April 20 th will be prioritized. The goal is a student starting in fall 2026.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in a career in wildlife ecology and management, especially those who want to advance their skills in statistical analysis and field biology.

For questions about the university, the lab, or the project, visit the lab website (www.padilla‑) or contact Benjamin Padilla at bjpadilla.