Phd Student Position In Climate Change Biology – University Of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming is seeking 1-2 PhD students for the Zimova Lab, focusing on climate change biology, particularly camouflage mismatch in certain species. Candidates will engage in field ecology and quantitative analysis while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Support includes teaching and research assistantships. Required qualifications include a relevant MS degree and fieldwork capability. The positions are based in Laramie, WY, with a start date in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
PhD Student Position – Climate Change Biology – University of Wyoming

The Zimova Lab at the University of Wyoming (UW), Dept of Zoology and Physiology is looking for 1-2 PhD students to join our group. The PhD students will work with Dr. Marketa Zimova on research related to camouflage mismatch in white-tailed jackrabbits, snowshoe hares, and other seasonally color-molting species.

All students will develop strong field ecology and quantitative analysis, with additional opportunities to build expertise aligned with their interests (e.g., evolutionary biology, movement ecology, behavioral ecology, remote sensing, AI, museum collections, genomics). Both positions are highly collaborative and will involve a combination of data collection by the student, existing datasets, and interaction with interdisciplinary collaborators.

Students admitted to the program will be supported by a combination of teaching and research assistantships (min $28,000/year plus tuition waiver and health insurance) for the duration of their studies. The start date is Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.

Required Qualifications
• MS degree (awarded or anticipated) in biology, zoology, wildlife and fisheries science, or related field, or commensurate experience designing and leading research projects
• Interest in addressing key questions in conservation biology, animal ecology, and or evolutionary biology
• Ability to safely conduct field work in all seasons and remote environments
• Experience managing and analyzing data in R, Python, and or ArcGIS
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
• Valid US driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications
• Interest in applying research to wildlife management and conservation
• Strong background in quantitative analysis and or spatial modeling
• Experience with wildlife field methods (eg live-trapping, radiotelemetry, camera trapping)
• Experience leading field crews
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications

About Zimova lab

The research in Zimova lab focuses on quantifying the consequences of climate change for vertebrate populations and understanding the potential for evolutionary change to facilitate adaptation to climate change-related stressors. Our work integrates diverse approaches including field studies, museum collections, high-resolution environmental data, genetics, and advanced statistical modeling.

About Zoology & Physiology and Laramie, Wyoming

The Dept of Zoology and Physiology at UW is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community with strong ties to state, federal and other wildlife agencies. The department has particular strengths in wildlife biology, ecology, and physiology, with many opportunities for applied conservation research. The university is located in Laramie, a small, vibrant college town in southeastern Wyoming. Laramie sits at the base of the Medicine Bow Mountains and offers immediate access to exceptional outdoor recreation, including hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Application Instructions

To apply, please fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/gu7qKp54SbTYEdfr9 by April 12th 2026. Please include the following materials:
• Cover letter: Describe your research motivations, relevant experience, and clearly indicate which aspects of the lab’s research interest you most and why. In addition, outline a potential research direction you would be excited to pursue in the lab. This should include general questions or hypotheses, possible approaches or methods, and how your ideas align with ongoing work in the lab. This proposal does not need to represent your final PhD project; rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate your scientific interests, creativity, and communication skills.
• CV: Include academic and professional experience, as well as names and email addresses of three references.
• Unofficial transcripts: Upload copies of transcripts or a list of coursework including undergraduate GPA. GRE scores are not required and should not be included.

PI Zimova will begin reviewing applications immediately and will contact suitable candidates on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.