Two PhD Assistantships in Fish Ecology and Ecological Modeling: Application of large integrated databases and river ecology in the Columbia River Basin, US.
The coordinated labs of Drs. Alexander Fremier, Brian Kennedy and Chris Caudill at the University of Idaho invite applications for two four-year PhD level graduate research assistantships. These positions are dedicated to question-based investigations of fish ecology and the integration of large databases to quantify system dynamics in the Columbia River Basin. This project is motivated by the increasing scale of ecological inquiry. Understanding and managing at these scales requires integrating biological, environmental and geographic data sets across space and time. The main objective of the larger project is to formalize the flow of data and data sets for quantitative ecological analysis of existing local scale studies, link data with large scale data collection efforts (e.g. PTAGIS, NHD) and perform regional analyses geared toward the recovery of endangered salmon and steelhead. Successful candidates will lead independent research projects in coordination with concurrent database and tool development. Research projects could involve in-depth analyses and modeling of fish survival, fish growth, bioenergetics or community comparisons across multiple stages of physiological development, perform meta-analyses among projects or quantification riverscape patterns of aquatic communities in the Columbia River Basin. The two research positions will be supported by a computer programmer to formalize existing models of fish ecology and create a networked public platform for integrated data management and analysis tool development. The application process will occur in two steps. 1. Step 1: We request potential applicants to send their CV and unofficial transcripts with a cover letter to Dr. Alexander Fremier ([email protected]). The cover letter should outline the candidate's specific research interests, GPA, TOEFL scores (international students only), and research background, particularly in fish ecology and ecological modeling. Working with large data sets and/or data analysis programs is not required, but merited. 2. Step 2: After the initial packages are received and reviewed, we will request applicants to apply directly to the University of Idaho to complete a formal application. Applications must include a letter of interest, resume or curricula vita, cumulative GPA, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (international students only), and letters from three references. Complete instructions can be found at http://www.uidaho.edu/graduateadmissions. Deadlines for the initial application are due August 30, 2011. The second formal application should be completed by September 15, 2011 to start in the spring semester 2012 (January); highly qualified students should apply by August 20, 2011, for consideration in competitive fellowships. The assistantships include an annual stipend with paid tuition and health care benefits. Post doctoral scholars will be considered for one of the two positions. *Qualifications: Candidates are strongly encouraged to have completed an M.S. degree by August 2011 in Ecology, Biology, or a related field. Candidates should possess demonstrable experience with some of the following topics or skills: conceiving, designing and conducting empirical research; computer programming (database languages) ; simulations and modeling; fish ecology; spatial ecology; quantitative and statistical analysis. Strong writing skills are required. Candidates will be selected based on their academic qualifications, letters of recommendation, and prior skills and experience. The candidates research goals should be compatible with the qualifications and goals of the funded research. *Further information: Follow these web links for more information and then contact Dr. Alexander Fremier ([email protected]) directly for specifics of the project. - RISLAR: http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~afremier/Index.html - CIREES: http://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/cifees/ - FERL: http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/uiferl/ - University of Idaho: http://www.uidaho.edu/ - Department of Fish and Wildlife: http://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/fishwild - Water Resources: http://www.water.uidaho.edu/ - Environmental Science: http://www.uidaho.edu/cogs/envs.aspx Christopher C. Caudill Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources College of Natural Resources University of Idaho Moscow, ID 83844-1136 208-885-7614 (voice) 208-301-0809 (mobile) 208-885-9080 (fax) http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/UIFERL/Christopher_C._Caudill.htm <http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/UIFERL/Christopher_C._Caudill.htm>
