Dr. Lesley Bulluck and Cathy Viverette in the Department of Biology and the Center for Environmental Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University are seeking applications for a field crew leader/graduate student position to start approximately January 15th, 2016. We are seeking applicants with the desire to continue research in the theme of these projects in the VCU Biology or Environmental Studies MS programs in the Fall of 2016, contingent upon admission into the program (http://biology.vcu.edu/graduate/ms/admission-requirements).
The successful applicant will participate in a project assessing RHWO non-breeding and breeding ecology and habitat use. The crew leader will be responsible for organizing and leading the field effort from February through July along with one technician and occasional undergraduate technicians from VCU. Field work will take place at Fort A.P. Hill, situated approximately mid-way between Richmond and Washington D.C. A $1500/month stipend and local housing and transportation will be provided during the field season. Competitive teaching assistantships and tuition waivers are available upon admission to the VCU Biology MS program and support may be available to strong candidates for the Environmental Studies MS program. VCU, located in Richmond, VA, is the largest public R1 University in Virginia and has an active and diverse Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Science faculty that are engaged in research around the world. Successful applicants should have a BS in biology (or related field), GPA >3.3, GREs >1200, an interest in developing quantitative skills, a high level of self-motivation, and prior research experience. This position requires prior experience in the field, navigational skills, and tolerance for cold winter conditions and wet, hot, buggy coastal plain conditions in the summer. Especially desirable skills for the position include prior experience mist netting/banding of birds, collecting blood and feather samples, and making detailed field observations using binoculars and spotting scope (including re-sighting color bands). Prior experience with woodpecker species is preferred, but not mandatory. Interested persons should initially email a letter that summarizes their background, educational goals, and research interests, along with curriculum vitae (include GPA and GRE scores) with contact information for three references to Dr. Lesley Bulluck ([email protected]). Deadline for applications is October 30, but applications will be considered as they are received.
