An MS-level graduate research assistantship is available for participating in research and conservation of ospreys and short-eared owls, both state-endangered, in Illinois. The Graduate Research Assistantship will be for two years with a 1 July 2015 start date. The assistantship will provide tuition waiver, a stipend for the spring and fall semesters, summer income as a field technician, and research support. The selected student will assist with an osprey re-establishment project in central Illinois during the summer. In collaboration with Dr. Brian Washburn of the USDA/APHIS/WS/National Wildlife Research Center (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage), the student will study the wintering ecology of short-eared owls (e.g., determining activity and movement patterns) in northern Illinois.
Successful candidates must have the following qualifications: 1. Background in ecology and conservation. 2. Experience working with raptors. 3. Endurance for long field seasons. 4. High academic performance. 5. Strong writing skills and quantitative skills. 6. Coursework and extensive use of GIS and statistics. 7. Field experience in radio-tracking and GPS technology. 8. Strong work ethic and keen attention to detail. Interested applicants should send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at [email protected] as soon as possible, preferably no later than 1 February 2015. 1. Cover letter addressing background, extent of qualifications, and research interest. 2. Resume, including contact information for three references. 3. Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable). Suitable candidates will be encouraged to submit a formal application to the graduate research assistantship program which has a deadline of 15 March 2015. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you have questions. Tih-Fen Ting, Ph.D. Department of Environmental Studies University of Illinois at Springfield Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 206-7876 [email protected]
