Doctoral Research Assistant- Spring 2017 Michigan State University Chronic Wasting Disease
Description: The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University invites applications for the position of Doctoral Research Assistant. The intent of this position is to investigate the risk of spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), as well as design new, cost-effective surveillance and management programs in Michigan. The project will draw on statistical modeling to estimate and map risks, and incorporate characteristics of deer movement behavior and population dynamics to tailor surveillance and management efforts to Michigan landscapes. CWD was first observed in Michigan in 2015, and the distribution of the disease appears to be localized. The Doctoral Research Assistant will work as part of a team of doctoral students, postdoctoral research associates, faculty, and biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The project has five years of financial support. Program Support: Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is one of the largest programs of its kind, with 45 core faculty (http://fw.msu.edu/). The Department hosts the Boone and Crockett Quantitative Wildlife Center (http://bcqwc.org/), whose mission is to promote wildlife conservation by applying mathematics, statistics, and computer modeling to major challenges facing wildlife management and conservation policy. Qualifications: Applicants must have a Master's Degree in wildlife ecology or a related field, an aptitude for quantitative analysis, and excellent communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with a record of experience working with government conservation agencies. Salary and Start Date: $22,000, tuition, and health benefits. Funding will be available January 1, 2017. Applications: Submit applications to the Departmental Research Administrator, Dr. Rose Stewart (mailto:stewa...@msu.edu). Applications must include: a letter of intent, resume or CV, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, and a list of three references. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2016 and continue until the position is filled.
