Reproductive Performance and Migratory Connectivity of Long-billed Curlews
A position is potentially available for a motivated Ph.D. student to study (1) how well Long-billed Curlews reproduce along a gradient of human disturbance and (2) the movement ecology, migratory connectivity, and genetic connectivity of Long-billed Curlews, particularly using an extensive satellite telemetry dataset. This project would involve experimental field work and modeling to examine hypotheses surrounding (1) how human recreation in grassland and desert landscapes affects the reproductive fitness of Long-billed Curlews and (2) how breeding region, genetic structure, and other variables might interact with the movement ecology and migratory connectivity of curlews. The Ph.D. student will work in collaboration with faculty, scientists, land managers, students, and field technicians.
Qualifications
Qualifications of applicants should include: 1) experience with standardized surveys for birds, ideally including nest-searching and monitoring, 2) excellent communication skills and ability to work well as part of a team, 3) analytical skills, and 4) a passion for ecology. A Master’s degree and experience with fieldwork, genetics techniques, modeling, and GIS/remote-sensing are preferred but not absolutely necessary. Please address your qualifications for each of these points in your cover letter. The potential position starts Fall (Aug) 2020.
Stipend and Benefits
This position includes support in the form of research and/or teaching assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance and will provide opportunities to travel for field work, conferences, and/or training.
To Apply
Applications are currently under review.
Send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references, copies of transcripts (unofficial are O.K.), and GRE scores and percentiles (not combined) to Jay Carlisle (EM: jaycarlisle@boisestate.edu). Please put “Long-billed Curlew Ph.D. application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until December 1, 2019. If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline, your application cannot be considered. Top candidates will be interviewed by late December 2019 and asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program by 15th of January 2020. All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.