[ECOLOG-L] Research associate for bat acoustic monitoring and telemetry project
Summary: A Research Associate is needed to coordinate and then analyze data collected in an acoustic monitoring and telemetry project to evaluate migratory movements and habitat use of the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) in Iowa. This species was recently listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The results of this work will be used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to support the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for wind power facilities in Iowa. Duties: Prepare and coordinate deployment of acoustic monitoring equipment to collect bat echolocation data; train, schedule and manage the field work of several teams of technicians collecting bat echolocation and telemetry data across Iowa; analyze bat echolocation data following specified protocols using echolocation analysis software; work with permitted bat biologists to capture bats and fit them with telemetry equipment; analyze telemetry data; produce GIS maps Qualifications: BS in wildlife biology or associated field, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, experience analyzing data, experience coordinating and managing field technicians, ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, ability to have a flexible schedule (i.e., holidays, nights, and weekends) as required, successful applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record in order to drive an ISU vehicle Preferred skills: experience conducting acoustic monitoring of bats and analyzing bat echolocation data, experience collecting and analyzing telemetry data, experience using GIS in wildlife-related projects, interest in becoming permitted to capture and handle bats Timeframe: 40 hours per week at $15 per hour from 1 May – 15 October, 2016 with the possibility of extension for an additional 12-18 months depending on performance To Apply: Please email a cover letter describing your interests in and qualifications for this position, resume, and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Julie Blanchong, jul...@iastate.edu. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate assistantships in white-tailed deer ecology
Two graduate assistantships (MS or PhD) are available in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University to investigate white-tailed deer ecology starting January or May 2015. Position 1: Landscape composition and antler characteristics The student will work to identify factors associated with spatial and temporal variation in antler morphometrics in white-tailed deer. The student will investigate spatial and temporal trends in high-scoring deer from Iowa using historical records. The student will also be responsible for designing a study to collect morphometric data from harvested male deer and identify relationships between landscape features (primarily using GIS) and antler morphometrics. There is also the opportunity to investigate associations between genetic characteristics and antler morphometrics. Position 2: Factors affecting fawn survival The student will work to identify factors affecting survival of white-tailed deer fawns in the agriculture-intensive landscape of Iowa. The student will be responsible for coordinating and conducting fieldwork associated with capturing and monitoring fawns and then using these data to identify factors associated with fawn survival. The opportunity to incorporate a genetic or disease component into the project is also possible. Candidates should have a BS in wildlife ecology or a closely related field. A Masters degree in a natural resource field is preferred for those interested in a PhD position. Good organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are necessary. Experience with GIS is also desirable. Applicants should have a GPA #8805;3.0 and GRE scores #8805;50th percentile. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Julie Blanchong by email (jul...@iastate.edu) with a letter of interest, CV including cumulative GPA and GRE scores (include percentiles), unofficial transcripts, a description previous research experience, and telephone and email contact information for three references by November 7, 2014.
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant/Associate Professor of Wildlife Biology
Tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in Wildlife Biology The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM, www.nrem.iastate.edu) at Iowa State University seeks to fill a 9-month tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in Wildlife Biology. The appointment is expected to be approximately 60% research, 30% teaching, and 10% outreach. The department is seeking a faculty member whose research agenda is focused on characterizing impacts of environmental factors (e.g., climate change, toxins, pathogens) on gene expression, epigenetics, genomics, endocrinology, immunology, and/or physiology of wildlife. The successful candidate will be expected to supervise an independent research program that will attract extramural funding. Teaching responsibilities will contribute to the existing Animal Ecology undergraduate curriculum. The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop a course in her/his area of expertise. The candidate will advise undergraduate students in the Animal Ecology major. Service to the university, profession, and society is expected of this position. Apply by February 15, 2014 to ensure full consideration. Please direct questions to Dr. Julie Blanchong, search committee chair, at 515-294-9699 or by email (jul...@iastate.edu). For the full announcement and to apply go to http://www.iastatejobs.com and search for vacancy # 131322. Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Graduate Assistantship
M.S. Graduate Assistantship Description: We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to conduct a non-invasive investigation of lead levels in nesting and wintering Bald Eagles in Iowa. The primary purpose of this research is to determine the degree to which free-flying avian species of conservation concern are being exposed to high levels of lead and identify factors related to elevated lead exposure. Qualifications: B.S. degree in wildlife science, ecology, biology, or related natural resources field, GPA 3.0, and both V+Q GRE scores at least in the upper 50th percentile. Desired qualifications include an excellent academic record, field experience (preferably with birds), interest in developing laboratory skills, strong organizational skills and attention to detail, strong quantitative skills, and excellent writing skills. Stipend is approximately $19,000 per year. The student will receive health insurance and is responsible for half of in-state graduate tuition. To apply, please send a letter describing professional interests and career goals, curriculum vitae, copies of college transcripts and GRE scores, and names and phone numbers of at least three references to BOTH of the contacts below. Email inquiries are preferred. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Tentative start date is August 15, 2011. Contacts: Dr. Julie A. Blanchong, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, jul...@iastate.edu Dr. Stephen J. Dinsmore, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, coo...@iastate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant or Associate Professor of Quantitative Analysis and Modeling of Natural Resources
Assistant or Associate Professor of Quantitative Analysis and Modeling of Natural Resources The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking candidates for a tenure-track, 9-month, full time position in natural resource biometrics and modeling. The successful candidate will complement expertise in fisheries, forestry, wildlife and management of agricultural, natural, and urban landscapes. Individuals whose research involves managed ecosystems are desired. Possible focal areas could include, but are not limited to, ecological analysis and statistics and ecosystem- or landscape-level modeling in managed landscapes. The candidate is expected to develop a collaborative, interdisciplinary research program in the area of natural resource biometrics and modeling that encourages participation by both graduate students and undergraduate assistants. Teaching responsibilities will include two courses that integrate GPS, GIS and remote sensing for natural resource management. The candidate will periodically teach and direct the off-campus Fall Camp for Forestry Undergraduates. The candidate also will teach a graduate-level course in their area of expertise. All courses are expected to contribute to NREM's student learning outcome goals. The candidate will serve as an advisor to undergraduate students in the Forestry Major. Outreach responsibilities will include participation in programs highlighting activities and opportunities in NREM and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Iowa State University is a Carnegie Foundation doctoral/research university. It is ranked as one of the top 50 public universities in the Nation by U.S News and World Report. The university is located in Ames, a community of 50,000 people that was ranked in the top 100 places to live in the U.S. by Money Magazine. Ames is recognized as one of the most livable small city in the nation (http://www.cityofames.org/). The NREM Department was formed on July 1, 2002, through the merger of the Animal Ecology and Forestry departments. The department has 26 tenured and tenure-eligible faculty, and 24 faculty collaborators/adjuncts. The department houses the Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. NREM is administered through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which provides an operating budget of $3.6 million including funding from the Experiment Station and ISU Extension. Annual competitive grant funding for the past 2 years has averaged $2.5 million per year. The department has 315 animal ecology undergraduate majors, 75 forestry undergraduate majors and 50 graduate students. The department participates actively in interdepartmental undergraduate programs in Biology, Environmental Studies, and Global Resource Systems. The Department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Fisheries Biology, Forestry, and Wildlife Ecology. The Department also participates in the interdepartmental graduate programs in Biorenewable Resources Technology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, Genetics, Plant Physiology, Sustainable Agriculture, and Toxicology. A description of the department's mission, programs, faculty and facilities is available at http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/. Required Qualifications: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR: A Ph.D. in forestry, quantitative analysis, conservation biology or an allied field. Experience and publication in recognized journals, in the application of quantitative methods and/or modeling of ecological processes for the study and management of altered landscapes. Demonstrated ability to teach courses in GPS, GIS and remote sensing. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: Qualifications as defined above, plus experience comparable with tenure-track candidates for promotion to associate professor rank. Preferred Qualifications: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR: Post-doctoral research experience or equivalent, undergraduate or masters degree in forestry, demonstrated success in obtaining external research funding, collaborative research, and teaching. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: Qualifications as defined above, plus experience in novel interdisciplinary research and teaching, and significant outreach involvement. Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience Special Conditions: All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check. To apply go to: https://www.iastatejobs.com/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp Select Vacancy #100923 and click on Apply for this Vacancy to complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Curriculum vitae 2) A statement of academic and research philosophy 3) The names, addresses, emails and phone numbers for five
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship- wildlife genetics and disease
PhD Assistantship- wildlife genetics and disease A PhD assistantship is available in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University. The objective of this project is to identify factors influencing the occurrence, transmission, and spatial spread of wildlife diseases. Results will aid in the design of effective disease surveillance programs and appropriate management strategies. Using white-tailed deer as the study organism, the student will 1) characterize patterns of deer population genetic structure and gene flow to forecast the spatial spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease, and 2) estimate prevalence and spatial distribution patterns of deer-associated diseases of zoonotic and domestic animal concern (e.g., Coxiella burnetii, bovine viral diarrhea) to assess risks of interspecific transmission. The student is also expected to pursue additional research question(s) suitable to his/her interests. Qualifications: A M.S. in wildlife ecology, genetics, or a related field is desirable. This is a lab-based project in which the student will be responsible for generating and analyzing all genetic data as well as conducting disease assays. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience using genetic techniques. Experience with GIS is also desirable but not necessary. Contact: Dr. Julie Blanchong, jul...@iastate.edu, with a letter of interest, unofficial copies of college transcripts and GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. The project can begin as early as May, 2011. The candidate selected will be provided with an assistantship that includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health care benefits.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship- Genetic structure and disease in white-tailed deer
A PhD assistantship is available in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University. The goal of the project is to use genetic tools to characterize white-tailed deer population structure with the objective of addressing the potential for transmission and spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease. A second objective is to describe impacts of deer restoration efforts during the early 20th century on contemporary population structure. Opportunities exist to pursue additional research question(s) related to disease ecology or genetics depending on the student’s interests. A M.S. in wildlife ecology, genetics, or a related field is desirable. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience using genetic techniques. Contact Dr. Julie Blanchong, jul...@iastate.edu, with a letter of interest, cumulative GPA, GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. The project can begin as early as January, 2011. The candidate selected will be provided with an assistantship that includes a tuition waiver, an initial stipend of $19,059 per year, and health care benefits.
PhD Graduate Assistantship- Wildlife Genetics
Title: PhD Graduate Assistantship- Wildlife Genetics Agency: Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Location: Ames, IA Description: This study is a part of a larger project aimed at understanding the relationship between river otter densities and the status of smallmouth bass populations in Ozark streams in Missouri. The primary objective of this assistantship is to estimate river otter abundance through non-invasive genotyping. Additional possible research topics include, but are not limited to, characterizing otter population and spatial genetic structure, identifying landscape features that influence otter spatial ecology, and comparing the impacts of harvest on otter population genetic diversity. The student will be primarily responsible for the genetic component of the project. Opportunities for participation in field work associated with sample collection are possible. The student will be expected to present the results of his/her research at regional and national meetings and to prepare manuscripts of these findings for publication in the peer-reviewed literature. Qualifications: A M.S. in ecology, wildlife, genetics, or related field is desirable, but not necessary. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience using genetic techniques. Prior to formal application to Iowa State University, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Julie Blanchong, preferably by email, with a letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. In lieu of email, hard copies can be submitted to Dr. Julie Blanchong, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Salary: The candidate selected will be provided with a graduate research and/or teaching assistantship that includes a tuition waiver, an initial stipend of $18,000 per year, and health care benefits. Contact: Julie Blanchong [EMAIL PROTECTED] (preferred) (515) 294-9699
