PhD Assistantship: Pocket Gopher Distribution, Ecology, and Genetics. University of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
Job Description: We are seeking a PhD student to develop dissertation research in conjunction with a project funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The focus of the project is on understanding the constraints limiting the distribution of the plains pocket gopher and on determining if the subspecies status of Geomys bursarius illinoensis is warranted based on spatial genetic structure. The PhD student will conduct species distribution modeling to identify local and landscape factors associated with gopher occurrences (and co-occurrences with American badgers). The student will also develop questions regarding movements and survival of gophers, and depending on interests, investigate landscape genetics and dispersal barriers. The student will be advised by Dr. Bob Schooley (http://nres.illinois.edu/directory/schooley) at the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, and will also collaborate with Dr. Brad Cosentino (http://people.hws.edu/cosentino/home.html) at the Department of Biology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Location: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois Salary: $24,000/year + tuition waver Qualifications: Applicants should have (1) BS degree (MS degree highly preferred) in ecology, wildlife biology, or related field; (2) research experience (ideally with mammals) and interests in species distribution modeling and animal-habitat relationships; (3) demonstrated abilities in scientific writing and oral communication; (4) strong skills is statistics and GIS, or a strong desire to learn; and (5) ability to communicate and interact with rural landowners. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply for this position, please send (1) a cover letter, (2) a CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) GRE scores, and (5) contact information for three references. Send all materials in a single PDF attachment to schoo...@illinois.edu with the subject header “PhD Assistantship, Pocket Gophers”. Start date: 01/15/2017 Application deadline: 09/01/2016 Contact person: Bob Schooley Application E-mail: schoo...@illinois.edu
