PhD Position: Dam Removal and Stream Ecology Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Massachusetts Amherst https://eco.umass.edu/positions-in-eco/
Position Description: A PhD position is available to assess the effects of small dam removal on stream ecosystems in Massachusetts. The research involves deploying and maintaining water quality loggers for temperature and dissolved oxygen; sampling and identifying benthic macroinvertebrates; and sampling fish assemblages. Over the last 4 years, we have been collecting pre-removal and initial post-removal data at >12 dam sites, and the incoming student will be able to build on existing data and analyze a large, comprehensive dataset, with flexibility of adding additional components. The student will work closely with collaborators from the USDA Forest Service, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Trout Unlimited, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and American Rivers. The successful candidate would enroll in the PhD program in the Department of Environmental Conservation (https://eco.umass.edu/degree- programs/graduate-programs/) or the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology graduate program (http://gpls.cns.umass.edu/oeb), if accepted, and be part of the MA Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (https://www.coopunits.org/Massachusetts/). Qualifications: Competitive candidates will have a background in stream ecology with an interest and expertise in water quality and biota, field sampling, and statistics. Good communication (both oral and written), organization, and quantitative skills are required. Experience in macroinvertebrate identification and R software are strongly desired, but not required. Particular consideration will be given to candidates who hold an MS degree in a relevant field, but we will consider non-MS degree holding candidates if they can demonstrate research experience, relevant skills, and accomplishment. Salary/Benefits: The position will begin in January 2019. The student will be funded primarily on a research assistantship through Trout Unlimited and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Current graduate student stipends are $29,734 for a 20 hour/week assistantship, plus a tuition waiver. When funded at UMass, benefits are available through the Graduate Employee Organization (https://www.geouaw.org/). Funding is also available for travel to support site visits and attend professional conferences. Application: To apply, send 1) a cover letter describing your interests and experiences as they relate to the position, 2) a CV with names and contact information for 3 references, and 3) unofficial transcripts to Allison Roy (a...@eco.umass.edu). The deadline for applications is 20 September 2018. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Allison Roy, U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts Amherst Project Collaborators: Dr. Keith Nislow, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station Dr. Erin Rodgers, Trout Unlimited Kris Houle & Beth Lambert, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration Steven Mattocks, Dr. Rebecca Quinones, & Todd Richards, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Amy Singler, American Rivers & The Nature Conservancy
