Ph.D. Project Virginia Tech, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Piping Plover Ecology and Habitat Use on the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
A Ph.D. Assistantship is immediately available to study Piping Plover ecology and habitat use on the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. This Ph.D. project will partially involve studies of Piping Plover ecology and habitat use in relation to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, but it will also involve studies of other factors limiting the Atlantic Coast breeding population of Piping Plovers on both their breeding and wintering grounds. This person will work collaboratively with a large team from Virginia Tech to capture, band, and resight wintering Piping Plovers in oiled- and un-oiled areas on the U.S. Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast, but will also work to develop a study on factors limiting Piping Plovers breeding in Virginia and Maryland. This project will be a cooperative effort between Virginia Tech, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other federal, state, and local authorities. A research assistantship (stipend + tuition) at a competitive level will be provided, but depends on annual renewal of funding. Duties: Complete study design in consultation with major professor (Sarah Karpanty) and other project primary investigators (Jim Fraser, Jon Cohen, Dan Catlin, Joy Felio); collect behavioral and ecological data to test hypotheses and fit models; supervise technicians; operate trucks, boats, and ATVs; coordinate multiple federal, state and local agencies and other researchers; analyze data, write reports and publish research results in refereed journals with advisor. Fieldwork involves long hot days, early mornings and nights. Incumbent will live at a field site for a portion of each year with technicians in housing provided by Virginia Tech. This will be an excellent project for someone wishing to make a research contribution to basic science and, simultaneously, to the design of threatened species conservation strategies. Position is subject to receipt of funding annually. Desired start date is August 10, 2010 but is negotiable. Qualifications: B.S. and M.S. in Wildlife Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology or closely allied field, with excellent grades, test scores, and references. Candidates must demonstrate ongoing or completed efforts to publish peer-reviewed papers from M.S. thesis along with a continuing commitment to scientific publication. Previous coursework or experience with population and/or behavioral ecology and statistics required. Previous field experience required, preferably (but not necessarily) with birds. A strong desire and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team is required. To apply: email C.V., 1 page letter of application, degree titles and GPA for all degrees, GRE scores and names and contact information for 3 references including at least one field supervisor and two academic references. Finalists will be asked to participate in a phone and possibly on-site interview, to send transcripts, and to apply to the Virginia Tech graduate school. Send information to Sarah Karpanty ([email protected]). Please note ‘Ph.D. Piping Plover Application’ in subject line of application email. Candidate selection will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled.
