University of Illinois, Department of Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences
We are seeking a PhD student to develop dissertation research broadly concerned with the responses of mammals to shrub encroachment in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico. The student will collaborate on two related, larger research projects. (1) As part of a long-term study of mesquite encroachment at the Jornada Basin LTER site, the student will conduct occupancy modelling of mesocarnivores across shrub gradients and explore the potential role of top-down forces in structuring desert rodent communities. Data on mammalian carnivore distributions from camera traps (3 years) and rodent abundances from livetrapping (12 years) will be available as a foundation. Developing a comprehensive view of the landscape of fear for rodents could be a study component. (2) As part of a USDA funded project investigating how biodiversity and ecosystem services respond to attempts to restore desert grasslands, the student will examine dispersal constraints affecting site colonization by banner-tailed kangaroo rats, a keystone species. Potential questions could be related to how dispersal syndromes affect landscape connectivity or how habitat selection creates perceptual traps. The student will be advised by Dr. Bob Schooley at the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, and will also collaborate with Dr. Brandon Bestelmeyer at Jornada Experimental Range/New Mexico State University and Dr. Brad Cosentino at the Department of Biology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Location: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois Salary: $24,000/year + tuition waver Qualifications: Applicants should have (1) BS degree (MS degree highly preferred) in ecology, zoology, wildlife biology, or related field; (2) research experience (ideally with mammals) and interests in species distribution modeling, behavioral landscape ecology, dispersal and landscape connectivity; (3) demonstrated abilities in scientific writing and oral communication; (4) strong skills in statistics and GIS, or a strong desire to learn; and (5) willingness to conduct field work in rural, arid landscapes. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply for this position, please send (1) a cover letter, (2) a CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) GRE scores, and (5) contact information for three references. Send all materials in a single PDF attachment to [email protected] with the subject header “PhD Assistantship, Desert Mammals”. Start date: January 2017 (some flexibility, summer 2017 possible). Application deadline: 1 October 2016 Contact person: Bob Schooley Application E-mail: [email protected]
