Title: MS Graduate Assistantship- Wildlife Disease and Landscape Genetics Agency: Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Location: Ames, IA Description: The goal of the project is to integrate genetic tools with landscape ecology to characterize the risk of chronic wasting disease spread from Wisconsin to Iowa via the dispersal of infected, free-ranging white-tailed deer. The student will be primarily responsible for genetic analyses and will be involved in using GIS applications to identify and characterize landscape features hypothesized to influence deer population structuring. Opportunities to participate in sample collection conducted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are possible. The student will be expected to present the results of his/her research at regional and national meetings and to prepare manuscripts of these findings for publication in the peer-reviewed literature. Qualifications: Prior experience with genetic techniques is desirable, but strong candidates eager to learn new skills will be considered. Prior to formal application to Iowa State University, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Julie Blanchong, preferably by email, with a letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. If lieu of email, hard copies can be submitted to Dr. Julie Blanchong, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Salary: The candidate selected will be provided with a graduate research and/or teaching assistantship that includes at least a 50% tuition waiver, an initial stipend of $18,000 per year, and health care benefits. Contact: Julie Blanchong [EMAIL PROTECTED] (preferred) (515) 294-9699
