The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia is pleased to announce two funded master’s scholarships for students interested in Avian and Ungulate Ecological Research in the Mongolian Gobi-Steppe (see below). These scholarships support two-year research projects starting in September 2025, with fieldwork beginning in May 2025. Successful candidates will contribute to studies on key ecological challenges in the region, combining remote sensing, bioacoustics, and advanced ecological methodologies.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Tuition coverage for a master’s program in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
- Monthly stipend to support fieldwork and living expenses.
- Access to research resources, field equipment, and mentorship from experienced ecologists.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A students who have already earned their bachelor's degree or are currently in their final semester in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, or a related field,
- Meets university MSc admission standards.
- Strong interest in wildlife ecology, conservation, and field-based research.
- Experience with data analysis (R or similar software) is desirable.
- Proficiency in English, including the ability to read and write academic papers, is an advantage.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
- Willingness to participate in additional research activities as needed.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents (in English) to wcsmongolia@wcs.org;
- CV and academic transcript
- Statement of interest (1-2 pages) outlining research motivation and suitability
- Two letters of recommendation
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview
Application Deadline: April 14th, 2025
For inquiries and application submission, please contact:
- Batbayar Galtbalt (bgaltbalt@wcs.org) for Project 1
- Bayarmaa Chuluunbat (bayarmaa@wcs.org) for Project 2
We encourage highly motivated candidates to apply and contribute to the conservation of Mongolia’s unique ecosystems!
Scholarship Project 1: Mapping Key Bird Habitats and Assessing Bird Community Responses to Human Disturbance and Climate Change
Overview
This research focuses on understanding how human activities and climate change affect bird communities in the South Gobi. The study integrates remote sensing, bio-acoustic monitoring, and field surveys to map key habitats and assess bird diversity and behavior across varying environmental conditions.
Key Research Components:
- Mapping elm tree and oasis habitats using remote sensing imagery and machine learning approaches.
- Deploying bio-acoustic units to document bird diversity and temporal activity.
- Investigating the effects of human disturbance and climate change on bird communities through statistical modeling.
- Conducting field validation using point counts and nesting site surveys.
Expected Outcomes:
- High-resolution maps of key bird habitats.
- Bio-acoustic datasets providing insights into avian diversity and seasonal trends.
- Scientific evidence informing conservation efforts in the Gobi-Steppe.
- One peer-reviewed publication and a master’s thesis.
Supervision:
- Primary Advisor: Batbayar Galtbalt, WCS Mongolia
- Co-Advisor: To be determined depending on University admission
Scholarship Project 2: Dietary Ecology of Key Ungulates – Unraveling Resource Partitioning in the Mongolian Gobi-Steppe
Overview
This study aims to analyze the dietary habits of khulan, goitered gazelle, Mongolian gazelle, Argali sheep, and livestock to better understand their ecological roles and potential resource competition. The project will utilize micro-histological and microbiome analyses to assess diet composition and gut microbial diversity across species and habitats.
Key Research Components:
- Collecting fecal samples from ungulates across diverse habitats and seasons.
- Identifying plant fragments using micro-histological techniques.
- Sequencing gut microbiome samples to explore digestive adaptations.
- Assessing dietary overlap and resource partitioning among species.
Expected Outcomes:
- Comprehensive dietary composition data for all five ungulate species.
- Characterization of gut microbiome diversity and its ecological implications.
- Scientific insights into grazing patterns and competition dynamics.
- Two peer-reviewed publications and a master’s thesis.
Supervision:
- Primary Advisor: Bayarmaa Chuluunbat, WCS Mongolia
- Co-Advisor: To be determined depending on University admission
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program
201 San Business Center, Amar Street-29, Small ring road, Sukhbaatar district,
Ulaanbaatar14200, Mongolia. Tel: +976-11-323719