Title: PhD Assistantship Agency: Michigan State University (MSU)
Location: East Lansing, MI Job Description: PhD Research Assistantship - Effectiveness of Structure Retention in Clearcut Harvest Units for Conserving Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat Dr. Gary Roloff Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University Rm 13 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824 http://www.fw.msu.edu/ A PhD-level position for graduate study is available for Fall 2008 to conduct research on the effectiveness of structure (e.g., snags, downed wood, patches) retention in clearcut harvest units for conserving biodiversity and wildlife habitat. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently implemented operational guidelines (http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_33360_41823---,00.html) on structure retention in timber harvest areas and are interested in understanding how these structures function as biodiversity refugia and wildlife habitat. The study will be conducted in the aspen cover type in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan (Cadillac-Traverse City area) and will include collecting data on vegetation, herpetofauna, and general wildlife habitat use and behaviors. The successful candidate will be required to live on the field site and manage field crews during the spring and summer. Opportunities exist (and are encouraged) for further developing research questions and supplementing the funded project with additional grants. The MDNR has provided four years of funding to implement the project described above. MDNR support for the assistantship includes an annual stipend of $19,200, tuition and fees, and university health insurance (total package $30,200 in year 1). Start Date: August 25, 2008. Qualifications: Master's degree in wildlife, ecology, conservation biology, biology, or related field with experience in field-based research and data management. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is preferred and standard GRE tests (verbal, quantitative, analytical) are required (the biology subject test is recommended but not necessary). For application materials and instructions for MSU's graduate program please go to http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm . For more information on the project or assistantship contact Dr. Gary Roloff ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Deadline: Position is open until filled. Contact: Dr. Gary Roloff ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
