- Agency
- University of North TX, AERI
- Location
- University of North Texas (www.unt.edu)
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- $1,424 - $1,927 /month + tuition
- Start Date
- 01/16/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 12/10/2022
- Website
- https://www.docorridorswork.com
- Description
- We are seeking two outstanding candidates for PhDs to join a multi-national collaborative study on conservation corridor efficacy. Conservation corridors are the most frequently cited intervention to safeguard biodiversity in light of ongoing anthropogenic land use and climate change. However empirical evidence of their functionality is primarily derived from theory and small-scale experimental systems. That evidence does not prove corridors will work at the scale and context in which they are designed to function. With funding from a consortium of private foundations and major funding provided by the National Science Foundation and the National Environmental Research Council, we have collected genetic samples from >3000 individuals of nine species, from 14 corridors in 6 countries. Field data are still being collected and processed, and we anticipate having ~6000 samples from 16 corridors in 8 countries once complete. In addition, we have capture, mark, recapture data for most landscapes, and a robust set of covariate data available for use. More information on our efforts to date and the overall experimental design of the study are available at our project website (https://www.docorridorswork.com/). The incumbent candidate(s) will develop genetic data sets to measure geneflow across corridor connected patches relative to isolates and intact reference areas. This is the primary focus of the fully funded research project, and students will be included as co-authors on all project publications. However, student dissertations will be separate from the core objectives of the project. Each successful candidate will develop an independent dissertation using the available data sets in collaboration with project Co-I’s and collaborators. Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Andrew Gregory to discuss some potential ideas prior to applying. In addition to genetic lab work, there will the opportunity for travel and field work. At least two sites will require active field work to collect additional tissue samples via live trapping of wildlife in India, Kenya, and Europe. The successful candidate will also travel with our mobile genetic lab to sites in Kenya and India to work with local project collaborators to collect genetic samples in situ with ongoing trapping efforts. Training will be provided in application of all techniques, but a strong background in genetics is preferred. Candidates with a strong interest in genetics and relevant expertise in computer programming, spatial modeling, and demography will also be considered. Funding is secured and the incumbent(s) will be supported for at least the first year of their studies on an RA. Thereafter the student(s) will be supported on a mixture of RA and TA funding. Students will be advised by Dr. Andrew Gregory at the University of North Texas (https://research.unt.edu/), an R1 research university located in Denton, Texas (https://www.discoverdenton.com/). In addition, students may choose to be co-advised by project partners or Co-I’s with backgrounds relevant to their specific thesis questions (see project website for more information on project partners and Co-I’s). Top candidates will be invited to UNT prior to an official offer being made.
- Qualifications
- Applicants must have an MS degree (or equivalent experience) in population, conservation, or landscape genetics. The ideal candidate will have experience with one or a combination of the following genetic approaches: microsatellite analysis, sanger sequencing, SNP analysis, next generation/whole genome sequencing, or genotype by sequencing. Experience with GIS, R, and Python are desirable. Additionally, candidates with field experience capturing and handling wildlife will be viewed favorably. Applicants must also have strong quantitative, analytical, and writing skills. We particularly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups in STEM. The successful candidate will be expected to enroll in either the biology (https://biology.unt.edu/graduate-programs/graduate-degrees-biology) or environmental science (https://biology.unt.edu/graduate-programs/graduate-degrees-environmental-science) degree program at the University of North Texas no later than fall 2023, with a start date of spring 2023 preferred. To apply, please send a resume/CV and cover letter detailing your experiences and qualifications for the position. In your cover letter, please include a brief description of how you would use the available datasets for your dissertation. As part of your application packet please include contact information for two professional references, at least one of which who is capable of speaking to your ability for academic study. Please address all correspondence and send all materials as a zip folder to Dr. Andrew J. Gregory (andrew.gregory@unt.edu).
- Contact Person
- Andrew Gregory
- Contact Phone
- 9894003492
- Contact eMail
- andrew.gregory@unt.edu
