We are seeking a highly motivated MS student to lead a project focused on evaluating and improving distribution models for small mammals and meso-carnivores on public lands throughout the state of Alabama. Between 2008 and 2010, researchers conducted mammal surveys on state-owned lands and used the results to forecast community responses to habitat management. The primary goal of this MS assistantship will be to compare the current distributions of mammal communities with those forecasts and use the results to improve these predictive models. This is a fully funded position in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University and the student will be advised by Dr. Jonathon Valente ( https://www.JonathonValente.com/). Candidates should have a strong interest in population ecology, species distribution modeling, and ecological forecasting. The project will also involve a substantial field component, and the successful candidate would ideally have experience conducting mammal surveys using camera traps and Sherman traps, supervising personnel, interacting with landowners, and be comfortable working in remote settings. Selected students will be encouraged to develop their own research questions within the scope of this project.
This research is being conducted as part of a larger multi-taxa effort to understand how management activities impact biodiversity. Selected students will have the opportunity to collaborate with a large team of AU faculty and graduate students, and biologists from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The project will involve field-based sampling in 6 ecoregions (Interior Low Plateau, Southwestern Appalachians, Ridge and Valley, Piedmont, Southeastern Plains, and Southern Coastal Plain) throughout Alabama, the most biodiverse U.S. state east of the Mississippi River. The selected student could begin as early as the Summer semester (May 19th) but ideally will be able to begin collaborating with our team by July 15th, 2025. Prospective candidates should be highly motivated, interested in developing field- and computer-based skills, and have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: ecology, biology, zoology, wildlife, population modeling, species distribution modeling, or a related field. Dr. Valente’s lab is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, positive, and inclusive environment. We listen to, learn from, and support all voices in our labs and expect other members of our lab groups to do the same. *Required Qualifications* · Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or other closely related field · Strong communication skills in oral and written English · Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team · Self-motivation, a positive attitude, and strong interpersonal skills · A commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and respectful working space for people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities *Desired Qualifications:* · Experience presenting and publishing peer-reviewed research · Experience working with government agencies · Experience with logistical coordination of field work and personnel, population modeling, species distribution modeling, Bayesian data analysis, GIS software, and the R statistical programming language · Experience handling live, wild small mammals · Experience deploying small mammal trap transects and camera traps · Experience organizing and maintaining large datasets *Salary: *Annual stipend of $24,000 plus tuition remission and benefits *How to Apply:* Interested individuals should contact Dr. Jonathon Valente ( jjv0...@auburn.edu) with any questions. To apply, please state “Forecasting MS Assistantship” in the email subject line and include (1) a cover letter that states why you are interested in and qualified for the position, (2) a CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) contact information for 3 references, and (5) TOFEL scores if applicable. Applications are due by April 15th, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible because applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. More information about our graduate program can be found here: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/graduate-study/graduate-degrees/ *About Auburn:* Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years! Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn. *It’s a Lifestyle*: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home! *Our Commitment:* Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit *www.auburn.edu/inclusion* <http://www.auburn.edu/inclusion> to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all. *AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law. -- Jonathon J. Valente Assistant Unit Leader, Assistant Professor U.S. Geological Survey Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit College of Forestry, Wildlife, and the Environment Auburn University Office: (334) 844-9231 Cell: (740) 975-8960 https://valentelab.auburn.edu/ <http://www.JonathonValente.com> To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
