Hello, Please see below an advertisement for an open PhD position in the Kovach Lab at University of New Hampshire. Please contact Adrienne Kovach directly with questions at [email protected]
PhD Position at the University of New Hampshire –Population Modeling of an At-Risk Species Seeking a highly motivated PhD for Fall 2025 to conduct research in conservation of the imperiled New England cottontail rabbit, at the University of New Hampshire, in Dr. Adrienne Kovach’s lab ( http://www.kovachlab.com) in the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment. The student will be supported on a Research Assistantship to conduct research to evaluate population abundance and viability for a threatened lagomorph. A focus will be to apply spatially explicit genetic mark-recapture abundance estimation with noninvasive genetic sampling and to develop models that predict density for known New England cottontail metapopulations and conservation focus areas. Additional work will include predictive population viability modeling in a spatially explicit context. The student may pursue additional research questions of their own design, which may center around additional population modeling and/or additional analyses of genetic data to address questions about landscape genetics and conservation genetics concerns. The research and modeling tools developed under this project will be applied to the conservation of New England cottontail populations through a range-wide conservation initiative. The New England Cottontail Conservation Initiative is a large, multi-state collaborative effort that has been focused for a dozen years on restoration of this at-risk species. Graduate students will be immersed in a network, including conservation partners and academic researchers collaborating in this initiative, providing strong outreach and engagement opportunities. Working within this system provides students an opportunity to participate in and help inform adaptive management. The PhD student will be enrolled in the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science (NRESS) program (https://www.unh.edu/nressphd). The University of New Hampshire is committed to social justice and actively creates an educational environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and quality engagement for all. Qualifications: Successful candidates will have a background in wildlife/ecology/conservation and strong analytical and quantitative skills, as well as experience with or a strong interest in genetic lab work. Interest and ability for field work is also preferred. A Masters degree or relevant experience is preferred, but not required. Willingness to work collaboratively and advance diversity, equity and inclusivity is required. Good communication skills are also desirable. Individuals who are intellectually curious, responsible, eager to learn, team-oriented, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. *How to apply: *Please send a 1) cover letter describing your qualifications, explicitly in relation to the qualifications listed above, including your commitment to diversity and inclusion, 2) a curriculum vitae or resume, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) contact information for at least three references to Adrienne Kovach at [email protected]. Use “Cottontail Population Viability PhD” in the subject heading of the email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning in mid-November. Salary: $38,150 for 12 months Start Date: Student may start in the summer of 2025 or no later than mid-August 2025 The University of New Hampshire – an R1 research institution – and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment ( https://colsa.unh.edu/natural-resources-environment) are home to a vibrant community of productive researchers with a strong commitment to student success. Located in the town of Durham, UNH is a beautiful campus surrounded by forest and natural landscapes. Only 30 minutes from the sea and less than 2 hours from the White Mountains, outdoor and other recreational activities abound, including right on campus. The University of New Hampshire is a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal opportunity for all. It is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran's status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, or activities. Please contact the Affirmative Action and Equity Office, Thompson Hall 305, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824-3547 at 603-862-2930 (voice), TTY: (603) 862-1527 • Relay NH: 7-1-1, or [email protected] with questions or concerns. To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
