A Graduate Research Assistantship in plant community ecology and conservation biology is available beginning June 2006. The student will work collaboratively with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Rangeland Ecology and Management at Texas A&M University on studies devised to promote the conservation and habitat restoration of the federally endangered orchid, Navasota Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes parksii) (NLT). Our goals for this research will be to offset NLT plants impacted by a future landfill project and develop strategies for conserving existing NLT populations. Responsibilities will include managing the study, considerable field and lab work, statistical analysis and report writing, directing student workers, and interacting with public officials. Applicants must possess strong writing and speaking skills, be able to conduct research independently, and be capable of interacting with and motivating others. Successful applicants must also be willing to work in adverse weather and physically challenging conditions, live in College Station, Texas, and travel periodically to remote field sites. The assistantship will provide an annual stipend of $15,000 plus a full tuition waiver and health insurance assistance. Students with exceptional academic credentials may be eligible for more lucrative University fellowships during their first year of study. Applicants should send 1. Letter of interest, 2. Curriculum vitae, 3. Unofficial transcripts, 4. GRE scores and 5. Contact information for three references by Feb. 15, 2006 to: Dr. William E. Rogers, Department of Rangeland Ecology and Management, 2126 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843 (email: [EMAIL PROTECTED])
