The Pauli Lab is currently recruiting 2 graduate students (1 PhD, 1 MSc) for recently funded projects. Applicants are encouraged to apply only to the position(s) that they believe they will be highly competitive for.
POSITION A Description: A 4-year PhD research assistantship to study the effect of snowshoe hare translocations on the cyclic dynamics of a community of northern vertebrates. In collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, we are beginning a study focused on releasing snowshoe hare at a site where snowshoe hare have recently (~10 years ago) become functionally extinct and for which we have long-term demographic data (i.e., ≥20 years) for other relevant species. Our site occurs along the southern edge of snowshoe hare distribution in the Tension Zone of Wisconsin. By capturing snowshoe hares from the core of their range to the north, and releasing individuals to our study site, we intend to temporarily resurrect some attributes of cycling in this community, and disentangle the mechanisms that are responsible for cyclical population dynamics. Specifically, we will: (1) radio-track released hares to identify causes of mortality and the proximate mechanism for their range contraction; (2) quantify the functional response of fisher after the repatriation of snowshoe hares; (3) analyze and continue an ongoing porcupine capture-recapture study to quantify demographic shifts, before and after snowshoe hare extirpation and following snowshoe hare translocations; (4) utilize long-term grouse survey data to assess changes in population size. POSITION A Qualifications: A MS degree in wildlife ecology, ecology or other related disciplines is highly desired. Applicants with a BS degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid background in fieldwork, especially winter field experience and collaborative projects with natural resource agencies, and statistics is required. Especially desirable are applicants that have experience with population modeling, demographic analyses and radio-telemetry. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in team, are essential. POSITION B Description: A 2-year MS research assistantship will be available to initiate a study quantifying population size and recruitment of American martens to northern Wisconsin. The project will involve non-invasive sampling and DNA-based approaches to identify individuals, determine genetic relatedness, estimate population size and quantity recruitment rates. Research will help evaluate the success of the marten reintroductions to the state. POSITION B Qualifications: A BSc degree in ecology, evolution, molecular biology or wildlife or other related disciplines is highly desired. A solid working knowledge of molecular ecology and background conducting fieldwork is required. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. University, Department, Lab: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students. Employees include 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife biology. This project will be housed in the Pauli laboratory ( http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/pauli/) in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology (http://www.fwe.wisc.edu/). Town: Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 200,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. For more information on campus and town see http://vip.wisc.edu/ Stipend/Salary: Current annual stipend levels are $21,224 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. For all positions a start date of September of 2014 is envisioned. Application Process: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. *Applications received before March 3rd 2014 are guaranteed consideration*. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position to open to both US citizen and international candidates. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock ([email protected]) (in ONE PDF file please). - Our departmental graduate application cover sheet ( http://go.wisc.edu/6r7l94) - Letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume or CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) - GRE scores - Names and contact addresses of three references Jonathan N. Pauli, Assistant Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin 1630 Linden Drive Russell Laboratories Madison WI 53706 [email protected]
