The goals of this research project based in Logan Canyon, Utah are to 1) measure climate-driven variability in the phenology and demography of a hibernating species over a 50-year period; 2) understand the ecological and physiological processes that mediate this variability and associated fitness consequences; 3) predict ecosystem responses to changes in abundance in light of climate change. Research will be supported by both historical (1960s-70s) and contemporary data collection (2013-present) on the ecology, phenology, and demography of the Uinta ground squirrel, an alpine species endemic to the Western US.
Competitive applicants will have experience collecting and analyzing field data, and great ability to work collaboratively with a group of interdisciplinary scientists (population ecologists, physiologists, geneticists, climatologists). Experience with scientific writing and presentations at professional meetings are sought after. The assistantship would potentially include tuition and fees, health insurance, and a yearly salary of $18K for up to 2 and 1/2 years. However, the selected candidate will be encouraged to apply for competitive graduate fellowships this coming fall (e.g. NSF graduate research fellowship, USU presidential fellowship). Desired start date is January 2016 (start of spring semester), but a later start date is negotiable. Applicants should email the following materials as a single PDF document with the subject line “MS Assistantship” to Dr. Lise Aubry: (a) one page cover letter describing relevant experience, interests, and professional goals; (b) CV; (c) GRE scores; (d) transcripts (unofficial) from undergraduate and graduate education if applicable, (e) TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if applicable; and (f) contact information for three professional references. Minimum requirements for entry into USU’s Graduate Program are a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and a score above the 40th percentile on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE or GMAT, but successful applicants will greatly exceed these minimums. International students and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. Consideration of interested applicants begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. For additional information contact Dr. Lise Aubry, Department of Wildland Resources & the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan UT 84321. Web: http://liseaubry.webs.com/ & http://www.cnr.usu.edu/htm/facstaff/memberID=3551 Email: [email protected] The College of Natural Resources at Utah State University (http://www.cnr.usu.edu) is a wonderful place to study ecology thanks to its proximity to a variety of ecosystems (desert, grassland, alpine) and direct access to cutting-edge ecological research at the interface between basic and applied science (http://www.usu.edu/ecology/). The low cost of living and immediate proximity to the great outdoors (world-class skiing, climbing, mountaineering) makes USU even more appealing.
