POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT MS Assistantship – Arthropod Responses to Mesic Restoration in Sagebrush Department of Ecology, Montana State University
Description: The successful candidate will develop a research project to understand and quantify responses of arthropods to restoration techniques aimed to retain moisture in stands of sagebrush fed by snowfields. This project is a collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, and other agencies and partners. Research completed by the successful applicant will refine knowledge and improve restoration and management of habitat for sage-grouse and pollinators in high- elevation sagebrush communities. Specific research questions are somewhat flexible and will be determined jointly by the advisor and selected candidate. The student will pursue a M.S. degree in the Department of Ecology at Montana State University (http://www.montana.edu/ecology). Required Qualifications: B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, and the ability to work under adverse field conditions in remote settings (in areas with grizzly bears) are essential. Research will occur in southwestern Montana, and thus will require spending extended periods away from Bozeman. Students must have a minimum 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q) on the previous scale and 300 on the current scale, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA (including a 3.0 average in all biology courses; 3.0 average in all courses taken during the junior and senior years; and 2.5 average in all chemistry, physics and mathematics courses). Preferred Qualifications: Background or interest in community and population ecology, restoration ecology, entomology. Knowledge of identifying arthropods to at least order and family and some experience with plant identification. Experience working and communicating with other biologists, land managers, cattle producers, and the public. Stipend/Salary: The student will be supported by research and teaching assistantships ($1600/mo) and insurance, tuition, and fees also will be covered. Start Date: January 2019 Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications on 15 Oct 2018 and will continue until a candidate is selected. To Apply: Please send (1) a cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications, as well as how opportunity relates to career goals, (2) resume/cv including citations for any publications, (3) unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and (4) contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Andrea Litt Email: [email protected] (electronic applications preferred) Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman, MT 59717-3460 Voice: 406-994-2332, Fax: 406-994-3190 Web: http://www.montana.edu/litt
