Graduate (PhD) Assistantship Title: Graduate (PhD) Assistantship: Wildlife community occupancy in relation to natural gas development in the Piceance Basin
Agency: Colorado State University Field Location: Piceance Basin, Colorado Job Description: This PhD project will investigate the natural and anthropogenic factors related to species distribution in an active energy development field in the Piceance Basin, Colorado. Specific focus will be on conducting camera trap surveys and modeling occupancy of wildlife species to assess interactions and contrast sensitivity to human activity across species, with an emphasis on the carnivore community. The candidate will be co-advised on this project by Prof. Kevin Crooks and Prof. George Wittemyer of the Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University. Qualifications: M.S. related to wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields. Undergraduate GPA > 3.5, Quantitative and Verbal GRE percentile scores > 75%. Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong work ethic, well-developed oral and written communication skills, and an excellent academic background. Preference will be given to students with a proven publication record. Advanced skills with occupancy modeling highly desirable. Experience with camera trap field surveys preferred. Salary: Starting $21,600/year plus tuition for up to 4 years starting August 2014. Last date to apply: January 24, 2014. To apply: Applicants should create a single document (e.g., a Word or pdf document) that includes a brief letter of interest, CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, unofficial general GRE scores, and a list of three references and their contact information. The name of the file should contain the first and last name of the applicant. This file should be sent to Dr. George Wittemyer (g.wittem...@colostate.edu) via e-mail with “Wildlife community occupancy” in the subject line. Applications will be screened until the January 24, 2014 end date, at which time letters of recommendation will be requested from those on the short list. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in 101 Student Services. To assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves
