GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) at Boise State University. A position is available for a Ph.D. student to integrate remote sensing, ecological modeling, and field data to map and predict the spread of an invasive plant, European Frogbit, in Great Lakes coastal wetlands. The student will:
1. Collect and use UAV imagery to map the introduction and spread of the target species; 2. Integrate remote sensing, ecological modeling, field data, and data collected from local experts to predict the spread of the target species; 3. Use satellite data, drone imagery, and Lidar to map wetland plant composition and quality, and to monitor restoration outcomes. 4. Apply quantitative models to forecast range expansion of the target species. The project is a collaboration among spatial scientists, wetland ecologists, wildlife biologists, and tribal natural resource managers. The ideal student will start in August 2018. There is an opportunity for fieldwork, including wetland restoration, and the collection of ground truth data and drone imagery. During the field season the student would be based at the University of Michigan Biological Station (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs/). Qualifications A strong background in GIS, remote sensing, ecology, species distribution modeling, wetland restoration, and/or statistics will be an asset. Competitive students will have a Master’s degree and research or job experience related to the topics above. Stipend and tuition and fees This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $24,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance. About the program and Boise The PhD student will join the Human Environment Systems group at Boise State University, a group of faculty and students committed to transdiciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real- world environmental challenges. The student will be advised by Dr. Jodi Brandt (https://cid.boisestate.edu/hes/person/jodi-brandt/) and Dr. Trevor Caughlin (http://www.trevorcaughlin.com/). The student will earn a degree in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD, a new and modern graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings together faculty from across multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and the human-environment systems group to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities. Further, we have created a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships with international organizations all dedicated to providing students with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. To learn more, please visit: http://eeb.boisestate.edu/. Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful city of Boise, which strikes a perfect balance with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked metropolis. The city has ample opportunities for world-class outdoor activities year round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States. To learn more, please view “Visit Boise” link at: https://www.cityofboise.org/ To Apply Please send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references, copies of transcripts (unofficial are O.K.) and GRE scores and percentiles (not combined) to jodibra...@boisestate.edu. Please put “PhD application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until March 1, 2017. If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline your application cannot be considered. Top candidates will be asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program. All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean. Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.
