PhD Research Assistantship- Application of Virtual Fencing for Precision Grazing Management, Grassland Health, and Grassland Obligate Bird Habitat- Texas Tech University

Agency

Texas Tech University

Location

Lubbock, TX

Job Category

Graduate Assistantships

Salary

$21,000 + full tuition waiver

Start Date

01/16/2023

Last Date to Apply

12/30/2022

Website

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nrm/

Description

One Ph.D. research assistantship position is available to participate in a funded effort to evaluate new precision grazing technologies for rangeland cattle in the Rolling Plains and Cross Timbers regions of Texas. The project will compare traditional grazing management (continuous grazing) with virtual fencing (adaptive grazing) and evaluate effects on grassland health, wildlife habitat, and associated ecosystem services. The study will apply a systems approach to examining the grazing livestock production process, with a specific focus on promoting and improving habitat for grassland obligate birds. The Ph.D. student will be responsible for operating virtual fencing systems, monitoring livestock behavior and performance, assisting with captures and counts of grassland obligate gamebirds and songbirds, and executing rangeland surveys and vegetation analyses. Field work will take place on two cooperating producer properties, one in the Rolling Plains ecoregion and one in the Cross Timbers ecoregion. The Ph.D. student will be housed in the Department of Natural Resources Management within the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The position is available beginning Jan. 2022. The successful candidate will receive a full tuition waiver and a competitive 12-month stipend.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
(1) A M.S. degree in Animal Science or Rangeland Science, or closely related field by Jan. 2022; (2) research experience, preferably with livestock or rangeland studies; and (3) excellent written and oral communication skills; (4) Valid driver’s license. Knowledge of beef cattle production and grazing and creative and innovative problem-solving abilities are preferred.

To apply:
Please send a single PDF to Aaron Norris ([email protected]) with (1) CV; (2) a letter describing how you meet the required qualifications, your research interests, and your career goals; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three professional references. A formal application to TTU only needs to be made after selection of the successful candidate. Applications will be accepted until January 2022.

Contact Person

Aaron Norris

Contact Phone

806-834-0172

Contact eMail

[email protected]

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