PhD Position Available in Conservation Genetics and Small Population Biology
I am seeking an outstanding student to pursue a PhD in conservation genetics and small population biology in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Current research in my lab focuses on characterizing demographic history and understanding the effects of habitat fragmentation on threatened species. In doing so, we typically integrate field, genetic, and population modeling approaches to identify factors limiting populations, understand/predict the genetic and demographic consequences of environmental stressors on wildlife populations, and provide managers and policy makers with the information needed to make informed management decisions. The doctoral students dissertation thesis will involve studying the spatial population dynamics of California Red-legged Frogs using genetic and population modeling approaches. California red-legged frogs are a federally threatened species breeding in small ponds and estuaries in central California. Dispersal occurs among ponds but the extent to which networks of ponds act as metapopulations and the spatial scale at which population dynamics are correlated is uncertain. This project will involve two components (1) developing a genetic kinship approach, based on the spatial distribution of close relatives among breeding ponds, to characterize dispersal rates among ponds; and (2) conducting a larger, landscape-scale genetic analysis to characterize the spatial distribution of genetic variation and identify barriers to dispersal. The first component will likely involve a significant amount of population modeling to develop expected distributions for the spatial arrangement of relatives across the landscape under competing population models. Additional research components can be added depending on funding opportunities and shared interests between the advisor and student. Note that an important responsibility of the successful applicant will be to act as a part-time manager of the molecular lab in the department - the primary responsibility being the purchasing and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment for a laboratory with 4-6 users. Funding is in place for three years of graduate student support ($19,000/year + tuition waiver) and laboratory expenses. Applicants should possess at minimum a B.Sc., and preferably a M.Sc., specializing in conservation biology, conservation genetics, molecular ecology, or closely related field. Applicants with a strong background in molecular laboratory methods (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, fragment sizing, and DNA sequencing), genetic data analysis, and population modeling and demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals will be given preference. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter outlining your interests and research background, a curriculum vitae (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for three professional references (name, email, phone, address) as either a PDF or MS Word file to [email protected] with Conservation Genetics PhD Application in the subject line. The selected student is expected to apply to the apply to the UW Graduate School (http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/education/admissions/) and enroll in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology in the Fall 2009 semester (http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/grad.htm). Application materials will be accepted until April 1, 2009 or until a suitable candidate is found. For more info, contact: Zach Peery Assistant Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin, Madison Madison, WI 53706 Phone: 608-890-2766 [email protected] http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/facstaff/peery.html
