MS Assistantship - Effects of Tanglehead on Grassland Birds - Fall 2009 Tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus) is a warm-season, perennial bunchgrass with a worldwide distribution. There is evidence, however, that this species has recently increased in distribution and dominance in parts of south Texas, forming dense monocultures and reducing floristic diversity and structural heterogeneity relative to areas dominated by native plants.
Description: The successful candidate will develop a research project to increase the understanding of the effects of tanglehead invasion on breeding birds. Specific objectives involve quantifying changes in community composition, population sizes, and reproduction of grassland birds over a gradient of dominance by tanglehead. The student will pursue a M.S. degree in Wildlife Science at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (~45 miles south of Corpus Christi, Texas). Qualifications Required: B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, ability to work under adverse field conditions (hot and humid South Texas environment) are essential. Students must able to identify breeding birds and have a minimum 3.0 GPA and competitive GRE scores. Preferred Qualifications: Background or interest in population ecology, habitat management, restoration ecology, ornithology Stipend/Salary: $1,200/month plus benefits (medical package has a 90 day waiting period), nonresident tuition waived (resident tuition fees apply) for 1 year; subsequent years of support are pending availability of funding. Start Date: 1 September 2009 Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications on 22 June 2009 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To Apply: Send a cover letter stating research interests related to this topic, career goals, resume/cv, unofficial copies of transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 letters of reference (including contact information) to: Dr. Andrea Litt Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Department of Animal and Wildlife Science Texas A&M University - Kingsville 700 University Blvd., MSC 218 Kingsville, TX 78363 Email: [email protected] Voice: 361-593-4000, Fax: 361-593-3924 Web: http://ckwri.tamuk.edu/who-we-are/science-team/andrea-r-litt-phd/ Please reference the position title in your cover letter.
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