A M.S. student is sought to join a collaborative effort to study the impacts of predation from multiple, distinct predators on the population dynamics and social structure of the lemur community in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Results from this project will not only provide insight into the influence of predation by raptors and fossa on lemur social organization and demography, but also experimentally test for the presence of non-additive multiple predator effects in several lemur species across a continuum of forest types, from degraded to pristine rain forest.
Duties: Complete study design in consultation with major professor (Karpanty), collect behavioral and ecological data to test hypotheses and fit models, collaborate with 2 Malagasy M.S. students from the University of Antananarivo, supervise 2 local Malagasy research technicians, coordinate with local residents in Madagascar and an international team of researchers at the project site, write reports and publish research results in refereed journal with advisor. Fieldwork involves long days and nights under strenuous, isolated conditions. This is an excellent project for someone wishing to make a research contribution to basic science and, simultaneously, to the conservation of several critically endangered and threatened species. Qualifications: B.S. in Wildlife Science, Conservation Biology, Zoology, or closely allied field, with excellent grades, test scores, and references. Previous field experience in remote conditions required. Coursework in statistics, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Demonstrated writing skills and commitment to scientific publication. French or Malagasy speaking skills are desired, and if absent, applicant will be required to enroll in French studies. Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders and solve problems independently. Most successful applicants to our program have a GPA > 3.5 and GRE scores > 1200. Start date: Negotiable as January or August 2007. Applications accepted until position is filled. To Apply: Email C.V., GRE scores (or expected date of completion), names and contact information for 3 references, and a 1 page letter of application. Arrange for formal transcripts to be mailed to the address below. A formal application to the graduate school at VT must be made before acceptance. Send information and questions to: Sarah Karpanty, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, 150 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
