4-Year Ph.D. Assistantship in Movement and Metabolic Ecology of Herbivores
START DATE: May through August 2018 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Quantitative Ecology and Spatial Technologies Laboratory and the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at Mississippi State University, in collaboration with the Noble Research Institute, are seeking candidates for a 4-year Ph.D. assistantship in herbivore foraging and movement ecology with a specific focus on domesticated cattle as an experimental system. The student will investigate how foraging behavior and movement influence net energy budgets of grazing cattle and how these budgets determine body condition, individual fitness, and production metrics. This is a federally funded project through USDA-NIFA with emphases on metabolic ecology, space use and movement, and forage quality and availability. The successful candidate will gain substantial experience in (1) managing and leading data collection efforts across multiple field sites; (2) deployment and maintenance of biotelemetry data loggers; (3) remote sensing of animal behavior; (4) analysis and interpretation of GPS- and accelerometry- based datasets; and, (5) hierarchical model fitting, and calibration and validation techniques. The successful candidate will pursue their degree in either the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, or the Department of Animal and Dairy Science, depending on their specific experience and career goals. COMPENSATION: A stipend for living expenses will be provided ($23,500 per year) as well as complete tuition remission and health insurance for a total of 4 years, with extensions possible depending on funding. The selected candidate will also be strongly encouraged to apply for external support through the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and federal initiatives (e.g., NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An MSc in ecology, wildlife management, agroecology, animal science, biostatistics, or a related discipline. Capable of working under strenuous conditions for extended periods (i.e., hot and humid conditions, exposure to biting and stinging insects, etc.). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Any of the following: (1) experience managing and manipulating “big data”, (2) familiarity with hierarchical modeling concepts, (3) field experience in animal handling and husbandry, (4) GPS collaring, (5) analysis of forage quality, and/or (6) familiarity with Program R, ArcGIS, and/or Bayesian statistical software (e.g., JAGS, WinBUGS, Stan). GPA > 3.0 and GRE scores in Quantitative >= 150 and Analytical Writing >= 4. HOW TO APPLY: Please send the following items: (1) Cover letter describing credentials and professional goals; (2) an up-to-date curriculum vitae; (3) a list of references (3 at minimum); and (4) unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE/TOELF scores. Formal application to Mississippi State University, including official transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores, is required subsequent to candidate selection. Please send applications to Dr. Garrett M. Street (gms...@msstate.edu) and Dr. Brandi B. Karisch (brandi.kari...@msstate.edu).
