Position: MS Assistantship - Population Ecology of Eastern Wild Turkey Description: The school of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is searching for a MS student to study demography of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in northeastern South Dakota. The project will primarily focus on obtaining survival and reproductive success data, with the potential to address additional research questions that would be developed jointly by the advisor and the student. The project is a collaborative effort with South Dakota Game Fish and Parks and the research will inform estimates of population growth and management of turkeys. The student will pursue an M.S. degree in the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program at West Virginia University (http://wildlife.wvu.edu).
Qualifications: B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field. Applicants must have a minimum 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q) on the previous scale or 300 on the current scale, and a minimum 3.25 GPA. Applicants should have a strong interest in population ecology and quantitative ecology. Previous experience with capturing and handling birds, radio telemetry, nest monitoring, hiking, and Geographic Information Systems is highly desired. Competitive applicants will also have experience working and communicating with other biologists, landowners, and the public. Stipend/Salary: $16,536/year plus health insurance and university tuition waiver. Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications the week of March 21 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To Apply: The student will be advised by Dr. Christopher Rota, in close collaboration with Dr. Chad Lehman of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, CV, a 500-word statement of purpose (why do you want to work on this project, your research interests, and long-term career goals), unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to [email protected]. Christopher Rota Assistant Professor West Virginia University School of Natural Resources Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program PO Box 6125 Morgantown, WV 26506 Office: 312-B Percival Hall Phone: (304) 293-3196
