Description: The School of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is seeking a PhD student to study multi-species dynamics of Appalachian bird communities. The student’s dissertation will evaluate the role of interspecific interactions, climate, and environmental conditions in shaping the distribution and temporal dynamics of Appalachian breeding birds. The project will have a strong quantitative component, and the student should have an interest and aptitude in developing advanced quantitative skills.
Qualifications: M.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field. Candidates should have experience identifying breeding birds (preferably within the eastern US) by sound and sight. Preference will be given to candidates experienced with generalized linear mixed models, particularly within a Bayesian context, though a demonstrated interest and aptitude in developing quantitative skills will go a long way. Candidates must have a minimum 3.25 GPA at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Preference will be given to candidates who scored above the 50th percentile in both the quantitative and verbal components of the GRE. Stipend: $19,848, plus health insurance and university tuition waiver. To Apply: Interested individuals should send a CV, cover letter, 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 as a single PDF file to Dr. Christopher Rota at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin the week of September 5, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
