One M.S. Research Assistantship will be available in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University on 1 January or 1 June, 2019. The objectives of thesis research are to: 1) understand behavioral responses of piscivorous birds to harassment by humans and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in aquaculture facilities using GPS transmitters and triaxial accelerometers; and 2) assess the control efficacy of human and UAV harassment to piscivorous birds. The project will involve intensive field work and data analysis using machine learning. We seek motivated applicants with a B.S. degree in biology, ecology, wildlife science or a related field. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Preferred qualifications include excellent quantitative and communication skills. The assistantship includes annual stipend of $16,500, tuition, and health benefits. Apply online at https://mybanner.msstate.edu/prod/wwskzlog.P_DispLoginNon. Email a single PDF document including 1) cover letter describing credentials and professional goals, 2) resume, 3) names of three references, and 4) copies of university transcripts and GRE scores to Guiming Wang at [email protected], with “Piscivorous Bird Assistantship” in the subject line. The application will be closed on 1 November, 2018.
