The Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (MTCWRU, https://www.umt.edu/coop-unit/) and the Human Dimensions Lab (HDL, https://www.umt.edu/human-dimensions-lab/) at the University of Montana seek applications for a Teaching Assistant to join our investigations of the human dimensions of grizzly bear recovery. Grizzly bears were formerly numerous and widespread in North America but have been extirpated across 98% of their former range in the conterminous US. Today, four populations occur in the US Northern Rocky Mountains, and an additional recovery zone exists nearby in the Bitterroot Ecosystem of west-central Montana and east-central Idaho. The MTCWRU recently published studies of habitat use and connectivity pathways for grizzly bears, and the HDL recently published results of an intensive survey effort about attitudes of Montanans towards grizzlies. Efforts are ongoing by various agencies, non-profits, and private citizens to help enhance the odds that grizzlies can naturally recolonize their former range in the Bitterroot Mountains. However, much remains unknown about how to successfully influence human actions to achieve better conservation outcomes for grizzly bears and people. The master’s student for this project will thus conduct research on the human dimensions of grizzly bear recovery in the US Northern Rockies, with a focus on communities near the Bitterroot Ecosystem.  

LOCATION: University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA

DURATION: August 2024 – May 2026

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The master’s student will enroll in the Wildlife Biology Program and work under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Sarah Sells (MTCWRU) and Dr. Alexander Metcalf (HDL), in partnership with Dr. Elizabeth Metcalf (HDL) and Dr. Hilary Cooley (US Fish and Wildlife Service), and in collaboration with other agency partners and non-profits to develop and implement human dimensions research on grizzly bear recovery. Expected products include submission of at least 1 scientific publication, presentations, annotated analysis code, and a thesis. The student will also serve as a Teaching Assistant each semester.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: a Teaching Assistant stipend will be provided for 4 semesters at $9,940 per semester, plus summer salary in 2025. University tuition, fees, and health insurance will be provided.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree; a strong interest in human dimensions of grizzly bear conservation; strong quantitative, writing, communication, interpersonal skills; and a desire to work with a transdisciplinary team of researchers and conservation practitioners. Applicants must also meet the minimum acceptance qualifications of the University of Montana Graduate School. Preferred applicants will have degrees and experiences in wildlife biology, environmental science, natural resources, conservation social science, or related fields. The successful applicant will be highly motivated and possess a strong work ethic. Training in human dimensions theory and methods, as well as familiarity with grizzly bear recovery in the Rocky Mountains is desirable.

TO APPLY: Send a single PDF with the following to Dr. Sells (sarah.sells@umontana.edu): (1) a cover letter (2 pages max) that includes a well-articulated statement of research interests, goals, and relevant experiences, (2) a resume, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) unofficial GRE scores, if available (including percentiles), and (5) contact information for 3 references. Title your pdf document with “Last Name_Application”. The selected applicant will be invited to apply to the University of Montana for admission. Graduate degree program requirements can be found at https://www.umt.edu/wildlife-biology/graduate/ms-wbio/default.php (Note, please ignore the University posted deadlines for grad school admissions.)

DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and until the position is filled. To check whether the position has been filled, please revisit this page.

STATUS: closed, no longer accepting applications.