Overview: We are seeking two outstanding Ph.D. students to lead complementary components of a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) America the Beautiful Challenge-funded project examining how forest structure and silvicultural practices influence American marten ecology and regional population recovery. The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of forest management, wildlife conservation, and landscape ecology, helping to develop management strategies that support high-quality marten habitat while maintaining key ecosystem services—including productive and economically viable timber harvest. The research is designed to produce outcomes that are directly relevant to land managers and conservation partners.
PhD Position 1:
The student’s dissertation will involve: (1) non-invasively monitoring of American marten populations to assess distribution, population size and vital rates; (2) live-capture individual martens to deploy GPS collars for habitat, space use and movement data and (3) analyze movement and demographic data simultaneously to estimate individual-to-population level responses of martens to forest management practices. This position will be advised by Dr. Jonathan Pauli (https://pauli.russell.wisc.edu/).
PhD Position 2:
The student’s dissertation will involve: (1) synthesizing ecological and remotely sensed data from the National Ecological Observation Network (NEON) to characterize forest structure, productivity, and disturbance; (2) quantifying habitat attributes important to martens, such as coarse woody debris, canopy complexity, and multi-layered forest structure and (3) evaluating trade-offs between habitat suitability (e.g., landscape connectivity and movement corridors) and forest management objectives across spatial scales. This position will be co-advised by Dr. Jonathan Pauli (https://pauli.russell.wisc.edu/) and Amy Trowbridge (https://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/people/faculty-and-staff/trowbridge-amy/)
Both students will be enrolled in the Wildlife Ecology Ph.D. program housed in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and will collaborate closely with partners at the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to improve habitat quality and enhance population connectivity for Wisconsin’s endangered American marten on national forest lands.
Qualifications: Applicants should hold a M.S. degree in ecology, wildlife, forestry, conservation, or other related discipline, though students with a B.S. degree and substantial, relevant experience are also encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have a solid foundation in terrestrial ecology, field research, and quantitative or statistical methods. Experience with mammal trapping and handling, remote sensing, GIS, or spatial ecological data is a plus. Because this project is highly collaborative, we are especially interested in students who have worked with natural resource agencies or applied conservation partners. Prior experience with scientific writing is preferred and strong English writing and communication skills are essential. We especially welcome applications from students enrolled in federally recognized Tribes or who have experience working with Indigenous communities.
Salary: Both positions are four-year funded projects that include a competitive annual stipend ($37,414), plus tuition remission and health care benefits.
Start Date: Fall semester of 2026 (both positions)
Review of applicants will begin on March 1st, 2026, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
To apply: Please submit your application here: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NtwDNs7IGErPoi
Submitting an application includes filling out a small survey and takes approximately 15 minutes. It requires contact information for three references, and to upload in PDF format:
– uploading a cover letter summarizing research interests and experiences
– a Curriculum Vitae
– unofficial transcripts (both undergraduate and graduate, compiled into one file)
After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters from top candidates. Finalists will be notified and instructed to submit a formal application, including reference letters, to the UW-Madison Graduate School.
UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is open to both US citizens and international candidates. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.
UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology and conservation biology. The university ranks consistently among the top research universities in the United States. Total student enrollment is over 43,000 of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct research! The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to live and work.
We will not be able to respond to queries about the status of applications, but general questions about the Forest and Wildlife Ecology graduate program can be directed to Emily Laabs (emily.laabs@wisc.edu), our Graduate Student Services Coordinator. If you experience problems while filling out the application, please email Lucus Donne (donne@wisc.edu). The Pauli and Trowbridge Labs believe that a diversity strengthens science by bringing broader perspectives and greater creativity to our work and strongly encourage applications from all who are interested.