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 27 June 2016 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, no later than 1 February 2016: 1. Cover letter addressing background, extent of qualifications, and research interest. 2. A current resume. 3. Three letters of reference: at least two letters of reference must be provided by either professors or academic advisors familiar with your academic performance. 4. Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable). In addition, please complete the following steps no later than 1 February 2016: 1. Application to the GA program: go to the link: https://uisapp-s.uis.edu/gagpsi/. And click on "Start a new GA/GPSI application form" toward the bottom of the page. On the form, please check that you would like to be considered for GA. 2. A current resume - sent directly to the GA office at [email protected]. 3. Personal goal statement - there is a required format: http://www.uis.edu/graduateassistantships/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2015/08/Personal-Goal-Statement-06-15.pdf. Send directly to the GA office at [email protected]. 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]
