Funding is available for a motivated and exceptionally qualified student to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University and to study correlates of bird-building collision rates and scavenger removal and searcher detection rates of window-killed bird carcasses. Bird-building collisions have recently been confirmed to be the second largest direct source of human-related bird mortality in the United States, and some bird species of conservation concern appear to be disproportionately affected. However, our understanding of the above research topics remains limited, and the impacts of collisions on bird populations remain unknown.
The successful applicant will conduct field sampling in Oklahoma to assess correlates of building collision mortality, including ecological (e.g. habitat composition and bird community composition), building-related (e.g. window area and reflectivity), and sociological (e.g. home-owner background and preferences) correlates. The student will also assess ecological factors (e.g. predator community composition, vegetation, habitat composition at multiple spatial scales) affecting scavenger removal and searcher detection of carcasses. The project will also include an investigation of correlates of collision mortality across the larger scale of the southern Great Plains region using survey questionnaires of building owners. Development of additional research topics will also be encouraged. In addition to the research in Oklahoma, the student will have the opportunity to contribute data to and participate in a continental-scale research study of the correlates of bird-building collision mortality that includes roughly 15 study sites in the U.S. and Mexico. Applicants must possess an M.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology/Management, Biology, Ecology, or a related field. The applicant must also have a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and with a field crew. Because the student will supervise a field crew, including undergraduate volunteers, applicants with supervisory and/or management experience will be especially competitive. Applicants with experience publishing results of scientific research and/or presenting findings at professional conferences will also be especially competitive. Experience handling live and dead birds, conducting wildlife transect surveys, using trail cameras, and conducting bird point count surveys is preferred but not required. This position includes an annual stipend of $18,000 for 4 years plus benefits and tuition remission. Interested applicants should send via email (in a SINGLE ZIP FILE): (1) a cover letter (2 pages max) describing their career objectives, how this position would fit within those objectives, and how they specifically meet the above qualifications, (2) a CV, (3) unofficial copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate education, (4) GRE scores, and (5) names and contact information for three references to Dr. Scott Loss ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). Please include “PhD Window Collision Application” in the subject line of the email. For more information about the OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management visit: http://nrem.okstate.edu/. For information about Dr. Loss’s research lab, visit his OSU webpage (http://nrem.okstate.edu/faculty/loss.html) and personal lab webpage (http://scottrloss.wix.com/losslab). Applications should be submitted by April 11th, 2014, and the position will begin in early to mid-August. Any questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Loss at the above email address.
