Outreach & Communication Specialist - Individual Placement Job at Rangeland, Wil

MS or PhD Opportunity: Nutritional Ecology of Sexual Cannibalism in Spiders

Oklahoma State University (State)

Details

Application Deadline: 10/15/2025

Published: 09/12/2025

Starting Date: between 1/1/2026 and 8/2/2026

Stipend/Benefits: at least 20; $2,282 to $2,652 per month; some summer support; housing and tuition are provided as part of the Foley Graduate Fellowship in Natural Science Education program.

Education Required: None listed; typically MS or PhD candidate accepted.

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Description

The Wilder Lab in the Department of Biology at Oklahoma State University is seeking a highly motivated MS or PhD student to join a funded research project on the nutritional ecology of sexual cannibalism in spiders. The project aims to investigate the dietary benefits of sexual cannibalism and to determine if specific nutrients from the male’s body act as a dietary supplement for cannibalistic females, boosting offspring success. The research will involve fieldwork (collecting spiders) and laboratory experiments, testing how sexual cannibalism and nutrient manipulations influence offspring production. Ideal candidates will have prior experience working with arthropods and a record of publishing peer-reviewed articles.

The position offers a flexible start date in January, May, or August 2026. The stipend is a combination of research and teaching assistantships with some summer support available. The student will be based in Stillwater, OK. The university is located near diverse natural areas with access to other landscapes in nearby states.

Application review will begin on October 1. To apply, please submit the following as a single PDF to Dr. Shawn Wilder (shawn.wilder@okstate.edu):

• Statement of interest (specify MS or PhD and potential start date) and future career goals
• Contact information for three professional references

Foley Graduate Fellowship in Natural Science Education 2026-2028

Organizational Overview: Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken wonder and inspire environmental stewardship through natural science education. Fellows are part of an inclusive, dynamic team and participate in a fully funded Master’s program at UNC upon successful completion of coursework.

Position Overview: The Graduate Fellow teaches natural science programming in classroom and field settings, participates in a fully funded Master’s program, and earns a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Fellows report to the Youth & Graduate Programs Director.

Responsibilities

Teaching:

• School programs: standards-based natural science topics for 10-13 students in K-8, in various weather conditions, using inquiry-based, hands-on methods.
• Residential programs: some meal preparation, evening programming, overnight supervision.
• Virtual pre-classroom visits.
• Summer programs: co-teach weeklong camps for up to 13 campers in K-8.
• Afterschool programs: lead one afterschool Girls in Science or High School Green Team weekly.

Program Preparation and Logistics:

• Reflective teaching practices, curriculum review, and ongoing development of science content knowledge.
• Rotation of leadership responsibilities, logistics coordination, and communications.
• Maintenance of teaching materials and data management.
• Attendance at events; occasional evenings/weekends.

Learning Community:

• Team collaboration, curriculum development, program evaluation, and cohort support.
• Housing policies adherence and community engagement.
• Contribute to the Curious Nature article and complete observation sessions.

Special Events & Assignments:

• Participate in fundraising and special events; write a blog annually; complete a project each year.

Operations & Risk Management:

• Safety evaluations, maintain facilities and equipment, transport students, ensure medical certifications.

Professional Development:

• Hybrid courses for 30 graduate credits and Master’s degree; training and development; conference attendance; action research project.

*Fellows must earn grades of B or better in all coursework to earn the degree.

Position Duration: May 26, 2026 to July 28, 2028 (2 years, 3 months), flexible based on district calendars and program needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $17,000 annual stipend plus housing and tuition (tuition covers 30 graduate credits; approx. $18,000).
• Five weeks paid vacation; ten paid holidays; two floating holidays; twelve sick days.
• Health, dental, vision, and other benefits; professional development opportunities.

Requirements

Qualifications & Expectations:

• BA/BS in science, education, or related field (biology/chemistry background preferred).
• Minimum 1 year outdoor and/or classroom teaching experience or equivalent.
• Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications (can be secured prior to start).
• Spanish language skills desired but not required; 3.0 GPA required by UNC; strong knowledge of conservation, ecology, and natural history.
• Include a cover letter detailing graduate education goals, how the program will support career goals, and learning goals; an academic writing sample; one letter of recommendation; undergraduate transcripts.

Application deadlines and timelines detailed in the original posting.

Note: Multiple positions and locations may be posted; refer to each posting for specifics.