USA Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 in Cougar Movement Ecology (Fully Funded)

Utah State University (USU), College of Veterinary Medicine, is offering a fully funded graduate research position for highly motivated students interested in wildlife biology, movement ecology, and spatial ecology. Under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Sanchez (Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences Department) and in collaboration with Dr. Julie Young (Department of Wildland Resources), this project provides a unique opportunity to explore cougar movement ecology using advanced spatial modeling and behavioral analysis.

About the Research Project

The graduate student will investigate how female cougar movement patterns change as kittens grow and become more mobile. The study will also explore whether litter mortality can be predicted through maternal behavior patterns, and assess den site selection and behavior across different predator-dominated habitats.

This position is flexible and may be pursued as an MS or PhD program, with the possibility of beginning as an MS and transitioning into a PhD after one year. Importantly, the study will use existing datasets and does not require a fieldwork component.

This is a fully funded graduate research position at Utah State University, covering tuition, fees, and health insurance:

• MS students: $22,000/year stipend for 2 years.
• PhD students: $26,000/year stipend for 3 years (with an option to extend via TA opportunities).

Location

• The position will be based in Logan, Utah. Remote work will not be considered.

• Masters
• PhD

• Wildlife Biology
• Ecology
• Veterinary Medicine

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, biological sciences, or a related field.
• Strong skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience in wildlife biology, quantitative ecology, or movement ecology.
• Strong background in spatial analysis and animal tracking data.
• Experience in research publication and professional dissemination.

Responsibilities

• Designing spatial models to identify behavioral states and resource use.
• Contributing to a collaborative lab environment.
• Publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Engaging with stakeholders and professional organizations to share research findings.

Interested candidates should email Dr. Jessica Sanchez with the subject line “Cougar student application”. Required application materials include:

• A 2-page cover letter.
• A current CV.
• A writing sample (e.g., thesis, manuscript, or class paper).
• Transcripts (unofficial copies accepted).
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The start date is Spring or Fall Semester 2026.

Why Choose Utah State University?

Utah State University is a leading research institution in the United States with a strong focus on wildlife science, ecology, and veterinary medicine. This graduate assistantship offers students the chance to work with world-class faculty, gain experience in GIS and spatial modeling, and contribute to applied wildlife conservation research.