University of Wisconsin-Madison PhD Position: Assessing the long-term viability and management of prairie grouse populations and their vulnerability to environmental stressors
Position Description: A PhD research assistantship is available to conduct occupancy surveys and develop population growth models for Sharp-tailed Grouse and Greater Prairie-Chickens that estimate demographic consequences under different management and climate change scenarios. Develop recommendations for landscape-scale habitat management that will provide the greatest chance of maintaining viable populations of both species throughout Wisconsin. Assess the distribution and extent of Sharp-tailed Grouse populations on non-managed land in the Northwest Sands Ecological Landscape. Information on University, Department, Lab, and City: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and remote sensing science. This project will be supported in the in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and under the supervision of Dr. Benjamin Zuckerberg (http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/zuckerberg/). Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approx. 235,000 that combines small town charm with a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. Stipend/Salary: Current annual stipend levels are $20,808 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is available for three years. The start date for the project is Sept. 1, 2013. Qualifications: A MS degree in environmental science, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is required. The preferred candidate will have experience in conducting field studies. Especially desirable are applicants with expertise in demographic modeling, population ecology, and GIS analyses. Applicants should have a background in collaborating with natural resource agencies and a high level of self-motivation. In addition, applicants should have a strong interest in developing quantitative skills and working with climate and remote sensing data products. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. Driving license is required. Application Process: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. The application deadline is May 17, 2013. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the following documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock ([email protected]) (in ONE PDF file only). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to start. Required Documents for the application: · The “Forest and Wildlife Ecology; UW-Madison Graduate Application Cover Sheet” is found at: http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/coversheet_zuckerberg_1142.doc · A well-crafted cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds · Resume/CV · Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) · GRE and TOEFL (for international candidates) scores if available · Names and contact addresses of three references
