- Agency
- Southern Illinois University
- Location
- Carbondale, Illinois
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- ~1,500/mo for M.S., ~1,800 for Ph.D. + tuition and benefits
- Start Date
- 01/10/2022
- Last Date to Apply
- 10/31/2021
- Website
- https://peaselab.com/
- Description
- A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship is available at Southern Illinois University to study the distribution and abundance of bird species of conservation concern in southern Illinois. The student’s research focus has some flexibility, but will primarily study non-game bird species sampled using a combination of point counts and autonomous acoustic recorders; emphasis will be on evaluating the effectiveness of land management practices in the recovery of declining wildlife species. Opportunities exist for the student to develop independent research ideas. The ideal student will have (1) experience conducting point counts in eastern USA, (2) deployed acoustic recorders, and (3) analyzed acoustic data. Students with an interest in applying state-of-the-art quantitative approaches in wildlife conservation are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful applicant is expected to communicate findings to state agencies and other on-going, regional monitoring efforts. The student will earn a M.S. in Forestry or a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences at Southern Illinois University. The preferred start date is Jan 2022, but a May 2022 start date may be negotiated for top candidates. Applicants interested in pursuing a Ph.D. are expected to have earned an M.S. prior to starting or have an equivalent amount of research experience. Please see our lab website (https://peaselab.com/) and the SIU Forestry Program’s homepage (https://coas.siu.edu/academics/departments/forestry/) for more information on our research and academic department.
- Qualifications
- The successful applicant will have (1) obtained B.S. degree in wildlife, ecology, biology, forestry, zoology, or related fields; (2) knowledge of regional birds by sight and sound and have experience conducting point counts and/or deploying acoustic recorders; (3) exceptional quantitative skills with experience estimating distribution and/or abundance using a variety of data types and models; (4) knowledge of program R and spatial software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS); (5) a driver's license and ability to conduct independent field work in difficult conditions (e.g., steep terrain, poison ivy, ticks, venomous snakes); and (6) strong oral and written communication skills. To apply please email a single PDF to Dr. Brent Pease (bpease1@siu.edu) that includes: 1. A cover letter that describes past experiences and career goals. Be sure to explicitly state whether you are interested in a Ph.D. or M.S. degree. 2. Curriculum Vitae (with GPA and GRE scores included) 3. Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) and/or graduate transcripts (if applicable) 4. Contact information for 3 references The email subject should be “(MS or PhD – select one) Species of Conservation Concern”. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications must be received by Oct 31, 2021.
- Contact Person
- Dr. Brent Pease
- Contact eMail
- bpease1@siu.edu
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