🐾 M.S. Graduate Assistantship – Ocelot Genomics to Inform Reintroduction: The Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife ResearchInstitute at Texas A&M – Kingsville, in partnership with Dr. Randy DeYoung, is pleased toannounce an M.S. opportunity in ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) genomics to inform a planned reintroduction effort in South Texas. South Texas is home to the last two remaining ocelot populations in the United States, and the reintroduction effort is dedicated to establishing a third population.
The chosen M.S. student will have the freedom to pursue questions of interest to support conservation and reintroduction efforts. Potential foci include the development of a reduced SNP panel for population monitoring and the reconstruction of demographic histories. The student will use a genomic dataset consisting of wild and zoo-based individuals for analysis and assist with ongoing population monitoring efforts using a panel of microsatellite markers. While this position will be primarily lab-based, this student will have the opportunity to participate in the spring live trapping season for ocelots and bobcats.
The SPEC Lab is a new and growing lab and we expect to recruit students who are passionate about carnivore conservation AND prepared for the challenges of living and working in an area where temperatures are regularly in the 80s-90s+. Interested applicants should note that a thoughtful cover letter addressing motivations and both minimum and desired qualifications will be the most important factor in choosing the finalist pool.
📍 Location: Kingsville, Texas
🏛️ Institute: Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI), Texas A&M University–Kingsville
📅 Start Date: After August 18, 2025
🗓️ Application Deadline: June 1, 2025, 11:59 PM PST
💰 Salary: $2,000/month + full tuition waiver + benefits
🧬 Research Focus
South Texas is home to the last two wild populations of ocelots in the U.S. This M.S. position focuses on using genomic tools to inform a planned reintroduction of a third ocelot population.
Potential Research Areas Include:
- SNP panel development for monitoring ocelot populations
- Demographic history reconstruction using wild and zoo-based genomic datasets
- Ongoing population genetics via microsatellite markers
- Participation in spring trapping season for ocelots and bobcats 🐱
🎓 Required Qualifications
Minimum:
- B.S. degree in Wildlife, Ecology, Zoology, or related field by Fall 2025
- At least 2 years’ experience (research/lab/fieldwork)
- Strong skills in data analysis, R or Python
- Familiarity with wildlife population statistics
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Work ethic for hot South Texas field conditions 🌡️
Desired:
- Interest in carnivore conservation
- Experience with genomics or wildlife genetic tools
🏛️ About CKWRI & Kingsville
The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute is a leader in applied wildlife research, embedded within Texas A&M–Kingsville. The Institute collaborates with:
- Private landowners
- State and federal agencies
- NGOs
Kingsville is a safe and historic city just 40 miles from the Gulf Coast and Corpus Christi. You’ll enjoy:
- Access to Padre Island National Seashore 🌊
- World-class birding and wildlife
- A welcoming and diverse community
📑 Application Instructions
Submit ONE PDF to Dr. Lisanne Petracca:
📧 lisanne.petracca@tamuk.edu
Title:MS_Position_Ocelot_Genomics_LastName_FirstName.pdf
Deadline: June 1, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)✅ Include in your PDF:
- One-page letter of interest
- CV with contact info for 3 references
- Unofficial transcript
- Sample of scientific writing (e.g., thesis or capstone project)
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (State) | https://www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/