An MS graduate student assistantship is available to start in the summer/fall 2012 in the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the School of Forest Resources. The position is fully funded by the USGS and Pennsylvania Game Commission for 2.5 years. The project involves research on genetic mark-recapture population estimates and surveillance for river otter in northeastern Pennsylvania. The ideal candidate will have experience with population genetics, mark-recapture analyses, and Geographic Information Systems software.
Graduate research will include field research to collect fecal samples at otter latrine sites and random sampling of otter tissue. The most qualified applicants will have an interest in population estimation using genetic mark-recapture and a strong interest in furbearer ecology and management. Interested applicants should submit the following items: 1) a C.V. with GPA, GREs, and contact information for 3 references and 2) a 1-2 page description of research interests and responses to qualifications. Applications should be submitted in a single file (pdf, Word) by email to: Dr. W. David Walter (wdwal...@psu.edu) with the Subject line: GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP Qualifications: Applicants must be in good physical condition, as field work will require hiking and backpacking to remote sites under all weather conditions at various times of the year. Applicant should be comfortable navigating off-trail using topographic maps, and ArcPad GPS software on hand held units. Applicants should also feel comfortable in a laboratory setting preparing fecal samples for genetic analysis and have a strong interest in applying their skill in both the field and laboratory. Salary: Tuition+Stipend Last Date to Apply: March 16, 2012 Contact: W. David Walter http://www.coopunits.org/Pennsylvania/People/David_Walter/index.html
