PhD Position in Environmental Science; Wetland Ecology and Restoration at Oklahoma State University, USA [Salary: $30,000 per year]

Oklahoma State University is offering a PhD position in wetland ecology and restoration within the Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The funded doctoral project will investigate the ecological condition, restoration trajectories, and long-term success of backwater slough wetlands in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV).

The project is designed for a researcher interested in wetland ecology, freshwater ecosystems, ecological restoration, aquatic communities, natural resource management, and ecological modelling. The doctoral student will collect and analyze biological and environmental data from restored, degraded, and reference wetlands and work toward developing a standardized framework for assessing restoration success. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027, making this an excellent opportunity for qualified students seeking a funded PhD in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, or natural resources in the United States.

About Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a public research institution in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with academic and research programs spanning natural resources, agriculture, environmental sciences, engineering, and numerous other fields. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management provides an appropriate academic setting for research addressing wildlife, ecosystems, conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources. This PhD project also offers exposure to applied conservation partnerships, allowing the student to connect academic research with practical restoration and management challenges.

Research Focus: Central Platte River Valley Wetlands

Backwater slough wetlands in the Central Platte River Valley have experienced substantial loss and degradation as a result of hydrologic changes to the Platte River. These wetlands provide important ecosystem services, including nutrient and sediment retention, flood attenuation, and habitat for diverse aquatic communities. Because of their ecological importance, restoration and recreation of backwater sloughs have become important components of conservation efforts in the region.

However, restoration does not necessarily reproduce all of the ecological characteristics and functions of natural wetlands. A major goal of this PhD project is therefore to determine whether restored backwater sloughs develop ecological structure and function similar to native reference sloughs and to identify which restoration approaches produce the strongest outcomes.

PhD Research Objectives

The doctoral researcher will help develop a standardized, multi-metric framework for evaluating ecological trajectories in restored backwater sloughs and establishing benchmarks for successful restoration. The project will involve several interconnected research tasks.

Classifying Wetland Sites

The student will select and classify slough sites across gradients of restoration age, restoration design, degradation, and hydrologic connectivity. This will allow researchers to compare wetlands at different stages and under different environmental and management conditions.

Biological and Environmental Monitoring

Field research will involve collecting biological and environmental data from restored, degraded, and reference sloughs. Biological sampling will cover several important components of wetland communities, including:

• Amphibians
• Fish
• Macroinvertebrates
• Aquatic and wetland vegetation

Environmental measurements will include water quality and habitat-quality indicators.

Evaluating Restoration Trajectories

The project will assess how ecological communities and environmental conditions change through time following restoration. The research will be used to develop process-based benchmarks for restoration success, providing a way to evaluate whether restored wetlands are progressing toward desired ecological conditions.

Assessing Restoration Design

Another important component will be determining how restoration design and hydrologic connectivity influence ecological outcomes. Understanding these relationships can help conservation practitioners identify restoration techniques that are more likely to produce resilient and ecologically functional wetlands.

Developing Restoration Guidance

The final objective is to translate research findings into practical guidance for evaluating and improving future restoration efforts across the Central Platte River Valley.

Fieldwork and Conservation Partnerships

This PhD offers substantial opportunities for field-based ecological research. During the field season, students will have access to field housing, a research vehicle, and technician support. The project also provides opportunities to work with a variety of non-governmental organizations, state agencies, and federal agencies involved in conservation efforts along the Platte River.

This combination of academic research and collaboration with conservation organizations can provide valuable experience for students interested in careers in ecological restoration, wildlife management, environmental consulting, government agencies, or research.

Funding and Benefits

The PhD position provides a $30,000 annual stipend along with financial and logistical support for graduate research.

The funding package includes:

• $30,000 per year stipend
• Non-resident and resident tuition waiver
• OSU insurance
• Field housing during the field season
• Research vehicle during fieldwork
• Technician support during the field season

The tuition waiver and insurance support make this a strong funded PhD opportunity for students seeking doctoral research in wetland ecology and natural resource management.

Qualifications

Applicants should have both a B.S. and M.S. degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred academic backgrounds include:

• Wildlife Ecology
• Biology
• Environmental Science
• Natural Resources
• Related ecological or environmental disciplines
• Experience with ecological modelling is preferred. 
• Candidates should also be prepared for substantial field research involving aquatic and wetland ecosystems, biological sampling, environmental measurements, and data analysis.

This position is particularly attractive for students who want to combine field ecology, aquatic biology, ecological restoration, quantitative analysis, and conservation management. The project addresses a practical conservation problem while also asking fundamental ecological questions about how restored ecosystems develop over time. By comparing restored, degraded, and reference wetlands, the research can help determine what successful restoration looks like and which environmental factors influence ecological recovery.

The opportunity to work with NGOs and state and federal conservation agencies can also help doctoral students develop professional networks and applied research experience beyond the university.

Position Details

Detail	Information
Position	PhD Student in Wetland Ecology and Restoration
University	Oklahoma State University
Department	Natural Resource Ecology & Management
Location	Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
Research Region	Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska
Research Focus	Wetland Ecology, Restoration, Aquatic Communities
Stipend	$30,000 per year
Tuition	Resident and non-resident tuition waiver
Insurance	OSU insurance provided
Field Housing	Provided during field season
Research Vehicle	Provided during field season
Technician Support	Provided during field season
Degree Required	B.S. and M.S.
Relevant Fields	Wildlife Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources
Preferred Skill	Ecological modelling
Workload	30–40 hours per week
Expected Start	January 1, 2027
Expected End	December 2031
Application Deadline	December 1, 2026
Project Leader	Dr. Craig Davis
Phone	405-744-6859
Email	craig.a.davis@okstate.edu

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application materials directly to Dr. Craig Davis by email craig.a.davis@okstate.edu The application should include:

1. A cover letter
2. A resume
3. GRE scores
4. A list of three references
5. Applications should be emailed to craig.a.davis@okstate.edu.
6. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate their background in ecology, natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental science, wetland research, or related disciplines. Experience with ecological modelling can further strengthen an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PhD research about?

The project focuses on evaluating the ecological condition and restoration trajectories of backwater slough wetlands in the Central Platte River Valley.

What organisms will be studied?

The project will collect biological data on amphibians, fish, macroinvertebrates, and vegetation, alongside environmental and habitat measurements.

What is the PhD stipend?

The position provides a $30,000 annual stipend.

Is tuition covered?

Yes. The position includes resident and non-resident tuition waivers.

Is health insurance provided?

Yes. OSU insurance is included in the funding package.

Is field support available?

Yes. During the field season, the project will provide field housing, a research vehicle, and technician support.

What degrees are required?

Applicants should have a B.S. and M.S. in Wildlife Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related discipline.

Is ecological modelling experience required?

Ecological modelling experience is preferred.

When does the PhD start?

The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027, with the listing allowing a start between January 1 and January 18, 2027.

Where is the PhD based?

The student will be based in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while conducting research in the Central Platte River Valley.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is December 1, 2026.

Who should applicants contact?

The project leader is Dr. Craig Davis. Applicants can contact him at craig.a.davis@okstate.edu or 405-744-6859.