The Research Assistantship in Applied Rangeland Ecology and Livestock Grazing Systems 2026 is a funded graduate research opportunity offered through the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University (K-State), United States. The assistantship is available for students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree under the supervision of Dr. Colin Tobin, Assistant Professor of Range Management. The research programme focuses on applied rangeland ecology, livestock grazing systems, and precision livestock management across the Great Plains region.

About the Research Assistantship in Applied Rangeland Ecology and Livestock Grazing Systems

Kansas State University offers this graduate research assistantship through its Department of Agronomy. The programme provides students with opportunities to conduct research in one of North America’s most important grassland ecosystems, the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.

The research programme focuses on:

  • Livestock foraging behavior and grazing distribution
  • Targeted grazing for invasive species management
  • Precision livestock technologies
  • GPS collar applications
  • Virtual fencing systems
  • Remote sensing in grazing management
  • Fire-grazing interactions in grassland ecosystems
  • Livestock-wildlife relationships on working landscapes
  • Sustainable rangeland management practices

Students develop independent research projects while contributing to collaborative field studies. The programme encourages interdisciplinary research involving a range of science, ecology, animal science, soil science, precision agriculture, and data analytics.

Why Choose The Research Assistantship in Applied Rangeland Ecology and Livestock Grazing Systems?

This assistantship allows you to conduct applied research that directly influences livestock production and grassland conservation.

You benefit from:

  • Funded graduate education at a leading agricultural university
  • Access to the Flint Hills, the largest remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystem in North America
  • Training in precision livestock technologies
  • Experience with GPS tracking, virtual fencing, and remote sensing
  • Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Strong field-based and quantitative research training

The programme prepares students for careers in:

  • Rangeland management
  • Livestock production systems
  • Precision agriculture
  • Natural resource conservation
  • Extension and outreach
  • Government agencies
  • Academic research

Research Assistantship in Applied Rangeland Ecology and Livestock Grazing Systems Summary

  • Host Country: United States
  • Host University: Kansas State University
  • Department: Department of Agronomy
  • Scholarship Name: Research Assistantship in Applied Rangeland Ecology and Livestock Grazing Systems
  • Study Level: PhD
  • Funding Type: Graduate Research Assistantship
  • Research Supervisor: Colin Tobin
  • Research Area: Applied Rangeland Ecology and Livestock Grazing Systems
  • Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
  • Start Date: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
  • Application Deadline: 31 December 2026
  • Work Requirement: Minimum 20 hours per week
  • Funding: Competitive stipend (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

Scholarship Benefits

The PhD assistantship provides:

  • Competitive doctoral stipend
  • Research funding support
  • Extensive field research opportunities
  • Access to advanced livestock monitoring technologies
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
  • Professional conference and publication opportunities
  • Advanced training in grazing ecology and rangeland science

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the PhD assistantship, you should:

  • Hold a master’s degree in:
    • Range Science
    • Animal Science
    • Ecology
    • Agronomy
    • Natural Resources
    • Wildlife Biology
    • Related disciplines
  • Demonstrate strong research potential
  • Show interest in applied rangeland ecology
  • Possess quantitative analytical skills
  • Be capable of conducting independent and collaborative research

Preferred qualifications include experience with:

  • Livestock production systems
  • GIS and spatial analysis
  • Precision agriculture technologies
  • Statistical modelling
  • Ecological data analysis

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Unofficial academic transcripts
  • Names and contact information for three professional references

Applicants should combine all documents into a single PDF file before submission.

Application Process & Timeline

Follow these steps:

  1. Review the research programme and project areas.
  2. Prepare a cover letter explaining your interests and career goals.
  3. Update your CV and gather academic transcripts.
  4. Obtain contact information for three professional references.
  5. Combine all documents into a single PDF.
  6. Email the application package to Dr. Colin Tobin.
  7. Use the subject line: “Tallgrass prairie GRA opportunity at KSU”.
  8. Complete university graduate admission requirements if selected.