Please send all inquiries to Dr. Jim Sedinger ([email protected]) for this position. Thanks!
Ph.D. Position, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology Program, University of Nevada Reno. I am seeking a Ph.D. student to work on a long-term study of sage-grouse in southern Oregon and northern Nevada. This research will build on historical data collected by Dr. Mike Gregg (USFWS) dating back to the late 1980s. Dr. Gregg collected demographic data on sage-grouse and their habitats on Hart Mountain and Sheldon national Wildlife Refuges dating back to the late 1980s. The current research will repeat Dr. Gregg’s research design on the refuge units and adjacent landscapes. The current research, when combined with Dr. Gregg’s earlier work will provide data on sage-grouse in pristine habitats on Hart Mountain and on landscapes currently impacted by feral horses (Sheldon), livestock (Hart Mountain) and both horses and livestock (lands adjacent to Sheldon. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve understanding of the relationship between nonnative ungulates and sage-grouse. For examples of our approach to ecological questions see publications at: http://www.ag.unr.edu/sedinger/Sage-grouse/Default.aspx. This research provides a unique opportunity to address an important ecological question working with large data sets (> 1200 marked sage-grouse) using state-of-the-art analytical approaches. Current research will involve three field seasons. Students will conduct field work in southern Oregon or northern Nevada from March through late July. Students will be part of the Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology (EECB) Graduate Program, an interdisciplinary program including faculty from the Biology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and Geography Departments at the University of Nevada Reno. Students should have a strong interest in life-history evolution, population biology or grazing ecosystems, enjoy field work and be in excellent physical condition. Stipend, health insurance and 80% of tuition costs are provided. Contact Jim Sedinger ([email protected]) with questions. Apply directly to EECB (http://environment.unr.edu/eecb/) with copies to me. -- Dan Nonne Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology University of Nevada, Reno
