We are seeking a student to conduct their PhD research in the lab of Drs. Jinelle Sperry and Patrick Weatherhead in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Funding is available to examine the effects of climate change on predator- prey interactions between snakes and birds. Research will take place in the Sandhills region of the eastern US (GA or NC) and will investigate, through snake radio-telemetry and bird nest observations, how increased temperatures impact snake behavior and bird nest predation risk. Field research will begin spring/summer 2011. The selected candidate will be provided with summer salary and an assistantship that includes a tuition waiver and stipend. More information on the department and research conducted in our lab can be found at: http://nres.illinois.edu and http://www.life.illinois.edu/pjw/. Qualifications: Candidates with an M.S. in a related field (ecology, wildlife biology, etc) are preferred. Preference will also be given to applicants with field experience working with reptiles, birds and/or radio telemetry. Contact: Dr. Jinelle Sperry ([email protected]), with a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, (including GRE scores and GPA), and contact information for 3 references. Review of applications will begin immediately.
