We are recruiting a MS or PhD graduate fellow to investigate trade-offs in utilizing visual vs. environmental DNA (eDNA) in amphibian monitoring programs. The selected student will collect visual and eDNA data for a suite of amphibians in Colorado/Wyoming. Selected student will be co-advised between Ecosystem Science and Management (Landscape Ecology and Ecological Genetics lab https://sites.google.com/site/murphylabuwyo/ - Melanie Murphy) and Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WyNDD – Wendy Estes-Zumpf) in collaboration with the US Forest Service.
Prospective students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population genetics are encouraged to apply. Evidence of robust analytical skills, ability to work independently under harsh field conditions, strong work ethic, scientific writing, passion for scientific inquiry, and aptitude for collaborative research are expected. Additional skills in population genetics laboratory skills, particularly using low quality/low quantity DNA, will be preferred but not required. Work will require hiking, backpacking, camping, working in harsh field conditions at high elevation and driving a 4WD vehicle. To apply, please send a statement of interest, complete CV, unofficial transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, and contact information for three professional references as a single PDF file to [email protected]. Requirements: GRE 300 (verbal + quantitative – or equivalent ~1200 on old system), GPA 3.0 (BS)/ 3.3 (MS). Closing date: Preference for complete applications received by Jan 30, 2015. Review of applicants will begin immediately. Send materials to Dr. Melanie Murphy ([email protected]). Potential PhD students may be invited to attend a recruiting event in mid to late February (financial support available for travel expenses). In addition, PhD students are encouraged to investigate the Program in Ecology (www.uwyo.edu/pie), an integrated, interdepartmental PhD program in ecological science. Position starts in mid-May 2015. Funding (pending): Standard UW stipend will be offered with ~4 semesters of GA support and summer research support. Tuition, fees and health insurance are included. Position is dependent on funding. Area: University of Wyoming (www.uwyo.edu) is ideally located in Laramie, Wyoming with easy access to varied field sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the campus is only 1 hour from Fort Collins and ~2 hours from an international airport (Denver, CO).
