PhD Assistantship – Migration Ecology of American Woodcock in the Eastern United States
Location – University of Maine (Orono, ME) with fieldwork throughout the Northeast Stipend: $19,467 per year plus tuition and ½ Health Insurance Premium Description – We are seeking qualified applicants for a PhD position that will focus on migration and population ecology of American woodcock. As a component of their dissertation research, the student will participate in research that seeks to better understand woodcock migration throughout the eastern United States. The project will use GPS transmitters to collect data on woodcock migration during both fall and spring migratory periods, and will involve collaboration with a diverse array of project partners including state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other universities. As a member of this collaborative team, the successful applicant will be responsible for working with project partners to capture and tag woodcock prior to migration, retrieve location data and manage project databases, analyze data, present results at meetings and conferences, and publish research findings. The student will be a member of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology <https://umaine.edu/wle/> at the University of Maine <https://umaine.edu/>, and will be co-advised by Dr. Erik Blomberg <https://sites.google.com/site/erikjblomberg/home> and Dr. Amber Roth <http://ambermroth.weebly.com/>. Support for the student will come in the form of both teaching (~25%) and research assistantships (~75%). Qualifications – *Required Qualifications:* We seek applicants with a keen interest in the natural world, a strong work ethic, and a desire to be an engaged member of a research lab with like-minded colleagues. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from a Wildlife Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource, or related program. Applicants should have a GPA >3.0 and competitive GRE scores (>50% percentile), as well as strong oral and written communication skills and evidence of progress in publishing work from the M.S. degree. Previous relevant field experience, demonstrated aptitude for quantitative analyses, and strong recommendations are required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise field assistants is also required. Must possess a valid driver’s license. *Other Desired Qualifications: *Preference will be given to applicants with experience or demonstrated interest in avian migration, animal population ecology, and quantitative methods. Previous experience with avian capture and handling is highly desired. Prior experience or exposure through coursework with the following quantitative skills: capture-mark-recapture, spatial analysis, regression, population modelling, and exposure to maximum likelihood and/or Bayesian estimation methods. Experience using R for data management, analysis, and presentation of results. A record of effective communication, as evidenced by presentations at professional conferences and participation in collaborative research teams. To apply please submit the following materials: A cover letter describing your qualifications for the position, a current CV including GRE scores and graduate/undergraduate GPA, contact information for at least three professional references, and a writing sample (master’s thesis or published manuscript). A single merged pdf is preferred, writing sample may be submitted separately. Please submit application materials, and address any questions about the position, to both Drs. Roth ([email protected]) and Blomberg ([email protected]). Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and should be submitted by 28 February 2017 for full consideration. The successful candidate must be available to start September 1, 2017.
