A master's assistantship is available in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management in the lab of Dr. Scott Loss. The research project will entail the first before-after control-impact field test of the effectiveness of a window film designed to deter bird collisions, which are the top source of avian collision mortality in North America. The study will include bird collision surveys at bus shelters that were originally monitored in a similar baseline study in Stillwater, Oklahoma (study details here: https://bit.ly/2AIQklQ). In addition, the student will have the opportunity to develop a side study of their choosing that is complementary to ongoing Loss Lab research (possible topics include other studies related to bird-window collisions or to human-caused wildlife mortality more broadly).
The graduate student would begin courses in mid-August 2019 but would ideally also be able to begin as a paid technician in March to help finalize glass treatments and data collection protocols and to begin the first field season of collision monitoring. The stipend for the technician portion of the position is ~$1,700 per month (plus reimbursement for mileage; housing not included). Beginning in August 2019, full graduate student support is available for 4 semesters, including a stipend of $1,292/month ($15,504/yr) plus health insurance and tuition waiver. Two semesters will be supported by a research assistantship and two will be supported by a teaching assistantship that requires ~10 hours of work per week. Course TA assignments will be determined based on student interests and department needs but will likely include one semester helping lead the department’s Applied Ecology field course. Oklahoma is one of the most ecologically diverse states, with ecosystems ranging from forested mountains in the east to mesas and canyons in the west. The state contains a wide diversity of plants and animals, and recreational opportunities abound, with national forests, grasslands, and wildlife refuges all within 2-3 hours of Stillwater. In addition, Stillwater is only 1 hour from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Required qualifications: Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field; a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation; an ability to work both independently and collegially with others; an interest in urban ecology, conservation biology, and human threats to wildlife; a desire to publicly present and publish research; and a US driver’s license. Preferred qualifications: Ideal candidates will have one or several of the following skills and experiences: conducting, presenting, and/or publishing mentored research; coordinating and supervising field projects; conducting wildlife collision surveys; handling and identifying wild birds; strong written and oral communication skills; and experience with statistical analyses. TO APPLY: send applications to Scott Loss ([email protected]) by Monday, January 14th, 2019; applications should consist of a single zip file or merged pdf file that includes: (1) a cover letter outlining how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, (2) a CV, (3) unofficial academic transcripts, (4) GRE Scores, and (5) contact information for three references. More information: Scott Loss’s lab - scottrloss.wixsite.com/losslab OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management - nrem.okstate.edu/
