Utah State University: PhD Assistantship
Predator-prey ecology in Yellowstone National
Park. The successful applicant will focus on
understanding the demographic impact of wolves on
their main prey, elk, in northern Yellowstone in
collaboration with agency scientists from
Yellowstone National Park, Montana Fish, Wildlife
& Parks, and U.S. Geological Survey. This will
include research to improve the estimation of elk
abundance. Research will be supported by a unique
20-year dataset on elk-wolf demographic rates,
population dynamics, predation patterns,
behavioral interactions, and space use. Students
are encouraged to develop their own research
questions within this project. The assistantship
includes tuition and fees, health insurance,
travel stipend, and a yearly salary of $19k for
up to four years. Desired start date is August
31, 2015 (start of fall semester); later start
date is negotiable. Competitive applicants will
have experience collecting, analyzing,
presenting, and publishing field data, working
collaboratively with agency and academic
scientists, and strong interests in developing
and applying advanced statistical and population
models. Applicants should email the following
materials as a single pdf file with the subject
line PhD Assistantship to [email protected]:
(a) one page cover letter describing relevant
experience, interests, and professional goals,
(b) CV, (c) GRE scores, (d) transcripts
(unofficial) from undergraduate and graduate
education, and (e) contact information for three
professional references. Consideration of
interested applicants begins immediately and
continues until the position is filled. For
additional information contact Dr. Dan MacNulty.
