PhD Position Available in Conservation Genetics I am seeking an outstanding student to pursue a PhD in conservation genetics and in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Current research in my lab focuses on characterizing demographic history and understanding the effects of habitat fragmentation on threatened species. In doing so, we typically integrate field, genetic, and population modeling approaches to identify factors limiting populations, understand/predict the genetic and demographic consequences of environmental stressors on wildlife populations, and provide managers and policy makers with the information needed to make informed management decisions.
The doctoral students dissertation thesis will involve studying the spatial population dynamics of Blandings Turtles in Wisconsin using genetic methods. The Blandings Turtle is a semi-aquatic species that is threatened by habitat fragmentation, collecting for the pet trade, and vehicle collisions. The objective of the project is to characterize the spatial distribution of genetic variation, identify population bottlenecks, determine the extent to which local population are connected by dispersal, and characterize the role of geographic isolation and landscape features (such as agricultural and urban development) on dispersal and genetic population structure. Funding is in place for two and a half years of graduate student support ($19,000/year + tuition waiver), including a half-year of funding via teaching assistantships, and for sample collection and labwork. Additional field or lab-based research components can be added depending on shared interests and funding opportunities. Applicants should possess at minimum a B.Sc., and preferably a M.Sc., specializing in conservation genetics, molecular ecology, or closely related field. Applicants with a strong background in molecular laboratory methods (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, fragment sizing, and DNA sequencing), genetic data analysis, population modeling, conservation biology, and demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals will be given preference. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter outlining your interests and research background, a curriculum vitae (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for three professional references (name, email, phone, address) as either a PDF or MS Word file to mpe...@wisc.edu with Conservation Genetics PhD Application in the subject line. The selected student is expected to enroll in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology in the Fall 2009 semester (http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/grad.htm) and apply to the UW Graduate School (http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/education/admissions/). Application materials will be accepted until April 1, 2009 or until a suitable candidate is found. For more info, contact: Zach Peery Assistant Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin, Madison Madison, WI 53706 Phone: 608-890-2766 mpe...@wisc.edu http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/facstaff/peery.html
