MS or PhD Research Assistantship in Desert Stream Ecology School of Aquatic and Fishery Science University of Washington 10/17/2011
Responsibilities: The Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab at the University of Washington is looking for a highly motivated MS or PhD student to explore the freshwater ecology of desert streams in the American Southwest. Potential themes of study include food web ecology, dam-induced alterations to riverine flow/thermal regimes, patterns and drivers of biological invasions, and ecosystem resilience and resistance to droughts. Focal study organisms will be fish and crayfish. The successful applicant will be advised by Dr. Julian Olden (School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington), and will work closely with researchers from Oregon State University and partners in Arizona including the Department of Defense, AZ Game and Fish Department, and The Nature Conservancy. The Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab contains an extremely cohesive mix of graduate students and post-docs. We play hard and work even harder and are looking for same in the applicant. More information see: http://www.fish.washington.edu/research/oldenlab/. Qualifications: MS and/or undergraduate degree in ecology, zoology, or related field with a competitive GPA and GRE scores. Priority will be given to applicants with previous experience working in desert ecosystems, particularly with regard to the study of freshwater fish, stream ecology, and demonstrating strong quantitative and communication skills. A demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals is an asset. Location: The position will be located within the School of Aquatic and Fishery Science (SAFS) at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. SAFS includes 30 faculty, 125 graduate and 100 undergraduate students, and about 90 administrative and research staff. The breadth and scope of SAFS encompasses programs for undergraduate and graduate teaching, research and service in basic and applied aquatic sciences with an emphasis on aquatic resource conservation. Faculty, staff and students have access to myriad aquatic habitats and rich biological resources, and are involved in interdisciplinary partnerships with other academic programs, as well as public and private organizations and environmental and regulatory agencies. Seattle is a vibrant and progressive city with ample opportunities for recreation and city-living. Salary: Stipend will be $20,100-21,400 annually plus benefits (health insurance) and tuition; funded for 2 (MS) or 4 (PhD). Start date: Fall 2012 (opportunity to start fieldwork in summer 2012). Contact: To apply email a cover letter that addresses your interest and experience, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to: Dr. Julian Olden, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington at ol...@uw.edu. Screening of applicants will occur immediately (but end by Dec 15, 2011) and selected applicants will be asked to apply for graduate school at SAFS. More information on the application process is available at: http://www.fish.washington.edu/graduates/admissions.html.