An M.S. assistantship is available in the Loss lab at Oklahoma State University (scottrloss.wix.com/losslab) as part of a study of bird-building collisions in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, including the new U.S. Bank Stadium. The research assistant will complete coursework at OSU, help coordinate and conduct fieldwork in Minnesota, and work with collaborators with Audubon Minnesota, National Audubon Society, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, and Minnesota Vikings.
Building collisions are the largest source of bird collision mortality in the United States, causing hundreds of millions of bird deaths each year. Most of this mortality occurs when nocturnal migrants, such as hummingbirds, thrushes, and warblers, collide with windows after being attracted and/or confused by bright lights. The student will help coordinate a scientific monitoring program of bird collisions at Twin Cities buildings, including the newly constructed U.S. Bank Stadium. A major objective of the study is to evaluate how the stadium’s design may be impacting migratory birds; however, the study will also provide a broader conceptual understanding of bird-building collisions by allowing comparisons of collisions at different buildings in relation to their size, location relative to parks and green space, and other building and landscape characteristics. Depending on the study’s findings, the research may lead to recommended management actions to reduce bird collisions at the stadium, and findings will broadly inform potential solutions for bird-building collisions. This position will begin in January 2017 with support available for 2.5 years ($18,600/yr plus health insurance and tuition waiver). Required qualifications—Applicants must possess: a B.S. degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or a related field; a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation; the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders; strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; and an interest in being involved with a study with a high public profile. Preferred qualifications: Applicants with extensive experience coordinating field projects/crews; completing mentored independent research; conducting wildlife mortality surveys; handling, identifying, aging, and sexing wild birds, and using GIS and/or statistical analysis software will be especially competitive. TO APPLY: send (by September 9th) applications consisting of a SINGLE ZIP FILE that includes: (1) a cover letter outlining how they meet the above required and preferred qualifications, (2) CV, (3) unofficial academic transcripts, (4) GRE Scores, and (5) contact information for three references to Dr. Scott Loss ([email protected]). Questions can also be directed here.
