MS Assistantship – Population Ecology of the Chiricahua Leopard Frog Description: The successful candidate will develop a research project to understand how Chiricahua leopard frogs (Lithobates chiricahuensis), listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, use desert landscapes. Specific research questions are somewhat flexible and will be determined jointly by the advisor (Litt) and selected candidate. The student will pursue a M.S. degree in the Department of Ecology at Montana State University (http://www.montana.edu/ecology).
Required Qualifications: 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 are essential. Research will occur in on the Ladder Ranch in New Mexico, and thus will require spending summers away from Bozeman. Students must have a minimum 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q) on the previous scale and 300 on the current scale, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA (including a 3.0 average in all biology courses; 3.0 average in all courses taken during the junior and senior years; and 2.5 average in all chemistry, physics and mathematics courses). Preferred Qualifications: Background or interest in community and population ecology and herpetology. Experience trapping, handling, and identifying amphibians, radio telemetry, PIT tagging, hiking, and some experience with plant identification. Experience working and communicating with other biologists and the public. Stipend/Salary: The student will be supported by a research assistantship ($1400/month, plus insurance) and nonresident tuition will be waived. At this time, funding is pending, but will be confirmed prior to the start of the spring 2013 semester. Start Date: January 2013 Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications on 15 October 2012 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To Apply: Send a cover letter stating qualifications related to potential research questions and career goals, resume/cv including citations for publications, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Andrea Litt, Email: [email protected] (electronic applications preferred) Department of Ecology Montana State University P.O. Box 173460 Bozeman, MT 59717-3460 Voice: 406-994-2332, Fax: 406-994-3190 Web: http://www.montana.edu/litt ___________________ Andrea R. Litt Department of Ecology Montana State University P.O. Box 173460 Bozeman, MT 59717-3460 Tel: (406) 994-2332 Fax: (406) 994-3190 Web: www.montana.edu/litt Location: 303 Lewis Hall
