PhD Position: Genetic Assessment of Amphibian Source-Sink Dynamics (University of Missouri)
Salary: 24K/year + tuition waiver + insurance DESCRIPTION The focus of this research project is on assessing the population and landscape genetics of ringed and spotted salamanders as they relate to source-sink dynamics at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. To date, we have developed and optimized site-specific microsatellites for each species. Research responsibilities will include training and oversight of undergraduates in the lab, DNA extraction, PCR, analysis of microsatellite data, and spatial of analysis of results using GIS. Fort Leonard Wood is a 25,000 hectare military training facility with >400 constructed wetlands that are inhabited by >12 amphibian species. This research is part of an ongoing project funded by SERDP, which involves intensive yearly ecological sampling of a 7,000 hectare area containing ~193 ponds for species abundance of egg, larval, and metamorph stages of both salamanders. QUALIFICATIONS Applicants should have 3.5 GPA and competitive GRE scores, with emphasis being placed on the quantitative reasoning section. Students should have strong writing and analytical skills, and experience with one or all of the following: GIS, statistical modeling, and population genetics. The selected student must be able to start no later than August 2013. This position provides a stipend of $24,000/year plus tuition waiver and health insurance. Students will be guaranteed funding for 5 years on a TA, with the opportunity for RA support. Please send a CV, copy of transcripts, GRE scores, and publications to Ray Semlitsch at [email protected].
