PhD Assistantship: Deer-Elk Ecology Research Project at the University of Wyoming
I am seeking an ambitious and hard-working PhD student to lead the Deer- Elk Ecology Research (DEER) Project in south-central Wyoming, USA. The student will be part of an interagency collaborative study led by the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming. The primary goal of the project is to identify factors regulating population growth and distribution of mule deer in a high- desert ecosystem, while simultaneously developing a better understanding of the ecology of elk and their interactions with mule deer. The DEER Project will take a novel and integrative approach to investigate key questions that continue to be a concern for mule deer populations including, effects of harvest, dispersal and migration, habitat condition, drought, predation, and competition with elk. Research will occur over 3 years and include capture of adult male and female deer, neonatal deer, and adult elk followed by intensive monitoring for survival and cause-specific mortality, plant and fecal sampling, modeling movement and space use, and spatially explicit demographic analyses. The student should be prepared for intensive field work in remote and rugged areas. Preference will be given to applicants with (1) a MSc degree in ecology, wildlife biology, conservation biology, or a related discipline, (2) previous experience in field-based research in wildlife ecology, (3) quantitative and GIS skills, (4) solid written and oral communication skills, (5) a demonstrated ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member, and (6) a desire to conduct research grounded in ecological theory with direct relevance to management of ungulates. A competitive graduate assistantship will be provided, which will include an annual stipend of $22,200, tuition, and benefits for the duration of the student’s doctoral research. The position will be housed in the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit within the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. Ideally the candidate will start by August 2015, but an alternative start date would be considered for the right candidate. The student will be advised by Dr. Kevin Monteith. To apply please send in a single pdf, 1) a cover letter outlining your interests, experience, and career goals, 2) a CV, 3) GRE scores, 4) transcripts (unofficial are ok), and 5) contact information for three references to Dr. Kevin Monteith via email at [email protected]. Review of applicants will begin 1 April 2015 and continue until a suitable applicant is found. --------------------------------------------- Matthew Hayes Spatial Analyst President-Elect WYTWS Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Wyoming Laramie, WY. 82071 Office: 307-766-5417 Cell: 307-760-1972
