M.S. Position Available! **Fulfilled**

Application Deadline:  Until suitable applicant is found

Starting Date:  1/1/2026

Hours per Week:  40

Salary:  Commensurate

Education Required:  Bachelor's

Experience Required:  Conducting ecological field work

Location:  Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, SC

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The DeVault Wildlife Lab and Beasley Wildlife Lab at the University of Georgia are jointly seeking a highly motivated student with strong academic credentials to join our team and pursue an MS degree in wildlife ecology. Applicants must possess well-developed organizational skills and demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication. The successful applicant will enroll in the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources in Spring 2026. They will be stationed at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, SC when not taking classes.

The student’s project will focus on the causes and consequences of animal-vehicle collisions, especially with regard to animal behavior in response to vehicle approach. The selected student will be responsible for developing and conducting an independent research project within this area, and will work in close collaboration with other students and faculty associated with this research. Possible avenues for research include field investigations of deer and wild pig behavior in response to cars; studies investigating how vehicle-avoidance behaviors differ from predator-escape behaviors and are developed over time; and the development of mitigation methods to reduce animal-vehicle collisions. A bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, ecology, or related discipline and experience conducting ecological field work are required. Evidence of strong quantitative and writing skills is preferred.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, CV (including GPA and GRE scores, if available), and contact information for three references in a single pdf attachment to Dr. Travis L. DeVault (travis.devault@uga.edu). Contact Dr. DeVault via email with questions.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status.