Join us
We are a collaborative and dynamic team of inclusive, dedicated scientists who are enthusiastic about bridging basic and applied ecological research, interested in both field and quantitative ecology, and are passionate about science communication, community outreach, and actively contributing to greater equity and inclusion in wildlife ecology. We aim to work closely with regional partners to address the pressing needs and concerns of wildlife managers and all stakeholders in Montana, as well as continue our involvement in ongoing North American and international research collaborations.
Graduate students: Graduate student positions are contingent on available funding. Any fully funded graduate student positions (MS and PhD) will be posted to this page—please check this site regularly if you are interested in joining the lab!
In general, I will only accept graduate students for positions that I have funding for but may accept additional students that bring their own grant or fellowship funding. Prospective graduate students are strongly encouraged to pursue graduate fellowships that they are eligible for; if your project aligns with my research goals, I would be happy to discuss the co-development of grant and fellowship applications. Please send a brief email to Justine (justine.becker1 [at] montana.edu) including the name/s of the funding opportunity you wish to apply for, how the project aligns with the research in our lab, a bit of background about your research experience, general research interests, and your motivation for joining the lab. Please also include a current CV with your message.
All prospective graduate students should also consult the MSU Ecology graduate admissions information.
Postdocs: Funded postdoc positions in the lab will be posted here when available. Prospective postdoc candidates who are interested in applying for a fellowship (such as the Smith Fellowship or NSF PRFB) to pursue research in the lab are strongly encouraged to contact Justine (justine.becker1 [at] montana.edu) with a brief emailing detailing your research interests and relevant experience, any potential project ideas, and your motivation for joining the lab. Please also include a current CV with your message.
Undergraduate students: I am always excited to hear from and work with interested undergraduate students who are looking to build their research skills in the lab. MSU offers a wide range of opportunities for undergraduates to gain research experience. Interested undergraduates are encouraged to contact Justine (justine.becker1 [at] montana.edu) with a brief description of your area of interest, major, and any relevant experience. I will also post any job or internship positions here so please check back regularly.
Contact us
Justine A. Becker
Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology, Montana State University
P.O. Box 173460, 310 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717
Email justine.becker1 [at] montana.edu or fill out the form below
The Becker Lab is based at Montana State University (MSU) in the Department of Ecology. MSU stands on the traditional lands of many Indigenous peoples, including the Apsáalooke (Crow), Niimiipuu (Nez Perce), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Lakota), Piikani (Blackfeet), Seliš (Salish), Shoshone, and Tsétsêhéstâhese (Northern Cheyenne) and we recognize and affirm that their relationship to the land continues to this day.
We recognize the many contributions of Native peoples to the field of Ecology, including the traditional knowledge systems that Indigenous peoples have developed in relationship to these lands and their stewardship. We also acknowledge the trauma that has been inflicted on Native nations, and recognize the ways in which Ecology and the scientific discipline more broadly have been perpetrators of this harm.
We acknowledge our collective responsibility to this place and its peoples’ histories, rights, and presence. As a lab, we pledge to provide research and educational opportunities for Native students and are actively developing relationships in Montana to facilitate this work. We encourage those seeking these opportunities at any level (K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and beyond) to reach out.