I am seeking a PhD student to work on applied and fundamental questions in behavior, demography, population ecology, and life history evolution of black bears.
Project: The aim of this project is to help guide black bear conservation by linking bear behavior to habitat selection, individually-based demography, and population dynamics using state-of-the-art statistical and modeling tools. The selected PhD student will work on 30+ years of high quality, individual-based black bear data (i.e., behavior, movement, and demography) from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife NJDFW. This dataset offers the possibility to address applied questions and management solutions directed at mitigating bear-wildlife conflicts. It also conveys the possibility to address basic research questions by relating individual performance and fitness to environmental and anthropogenic change in New Jersey; the state with the highest density of black bears in the country. The combination of applied and basic research is the approach I favor in my lab. It should be noted that even though the student will be working on an existing dataset, the student will also have to possibility to participate in field work each year with NJDFW (summer bear captures and winter den searches). Funding: All interested candidates must apply to both USUs School of Graduate Studies, and the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney Doctoral Fellowships Program. These fellowships will cover 75% of all expenses (stipend, tuition, health insurance) over 4 years. Matching funds (remaining 25%) have already been secured, which is a sinequanon condition for a successful application. Requirements: Minimum requirements for a successful application are a cumulative 70th percentile (for both verbal and quantitative) on GRE and cumulative GPA of > 3.5. Note that although 70th percentile scores are not required for the Quinney fellowships, nominees without these scores will be at a distinct disadvantage. Paper(s) in peer-reviewed journals and manuscripts at advanced stages of preparation will considerably help your application. Advising: The Phd student will receive his/her degree through the department of Wildland Resources or the Ecology Center at Utah State University (Logan, Utah). The student will work in my lab (Dr Lise Aubry http://www.cnr.usu.edu/htm/facstaff/memberID=3551) in collaboration with Dr Melissa Reynolds-Hogland (head of bear trust international, http://beartrust.org/) and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/). Location: USU is a wonderful place to work and play. The college of natural resources offers the perfect blend of basic and applied research, a collegial and friendly atmosphere, as well as a beautiful campus at the edge of the mountains, with wonderful views of the valley. The proximity to Yellowstone, Southern Utah National Parks (e.g., Canyonlands, Arches, Zion), and the direct access to the great outdoors offer some of the best opportunities for skiing, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, and hiking in the country. Application and deadline: To apply, please email me a CV, copy of your transcripts, one-page statement of research interests, and contact information for two references at [email protected] by the 1st of December 2012. Out of the pool of applicants, I will select the top two candidates to move forward with the fellowship application process which will need to be completed by the 25th of January 2013. Anticipated start date would be summer-fall 2013.
