[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Assistantship - Integrating new technologies to understand invasion ecology in Agroecosystems
We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded Ph.D. position in the labs of Drs. Marcus Lashley and Garrett Street at Mississippi State University to study Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems. The position will begin in August 2018 or January 2019 depending on applicant availability. The assistantship includes a $23,500 stipend, full tuition waiver, and insurance. This research is an extension of an ongoing 6+ year project (beginning year three now). The student will be expected to collect data with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to integrate with other in situ data sets into a landscape modelling framework with the objective of predicting the spatiotemporal probability of human wildlife conflicts, the effects of swine invasion on native wildlife communities, and swine population vulnerability as predicted by island biogeography theory. The successful student will have access to large data sets from radiotags and accelerometers deployed on feral swine, remotely sensed agricultural data, a captive feral swine facility, the Center for UAV Research, and camera traps deployed in remnant forest patches across Agroecosystems of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Required Qualifications: M.Sc. in Ecology or closely related field. Successful completion of the FAA UAS training will be required within the first semester. Possess or obtain a driver’s license. Ability to work in teams or individually in secluded and remote, hot and humid conditions, where most organisms want to sting, bite, or puncture you. Preferred Qualifications: Strong quantitative, GIS, and written skills are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, fun attitude with a good sense of humor, and desire to promote research and technology transfer through social media and public speaking. Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, a current curriculum vitae, contacts for three references to Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lash...@msstate.edu. We will be accepting and reviewing applications immediately until a suitable applicant is found. Application deadline is June 15, 2018.
[ECOLOG-L] M.Sc. Assistantship – Effects of wildlife feeding on wildlife and plant communities
Wildlife feeding has become common practice across much of the terrestrial landscape. However, little empirical data have been presented to determine how those practices affect the community structure and function. We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded M.Sc. position in the lab of Dr. Marcus Lashley. This research is part of a larger project (3 M.Sc. positions) to evaluate how food subsidies such as supplemental feeding and baiting affect wildlife, associated diseases, arthropod vectors, and plant communities. The successful student in this position will be responsible for evaluating the indirect effects of subsidies on plant community structure via direct effects on the wildlife community. In particular, the student will be measuring wildlife community responses with camera traps, and the legacy effects of herbivory and directed seed dispersal on plant communities in relationship to feeder locations. Also, the student will be expected to participate in generating material for the MSU Deer Lab social media platforms. A stipend for living expenses, tuition and health insurance are provided. Required Qualifications: B.S. in Ecology or closely related field. Successful completion of the FAA UAS training will be required within the first semester. Possess or obtain a driver’s license. Ability to work in teams or individually in secluded and remote, hot and humid conditions, where most organisms want to sting, bite, or puncture you. Preferred Qualifications: Strong plant identification, quantitative, and written skills are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, fun attitude with a good sense of humor, and desire to promote research and technology transfer through peer-reviewed publications, social media, and public speaking. Experience with camera trapping and piloting unmanned aerial vehicles. Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, a current curriculum vitae, contacts for three references, and an example of writing (preferably a peer-reviewed publication) to Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lash...@msstate.edu. We will be accepting and reviewing applications immediately until a suitable applicant is found. Start date is flexible but intended for August 2018.
[ECOLOG-L] PH.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems
Ph.D. Assistantship - Integrating new technologies to understand invasion ecology in Agroecosystems We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded Ph.D. position in the labs of Drs. Marcus Lashley and Garrett Street at Mississippi State University to study Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems. This research is an extension of an ongoing 6+ year project (beginning year three now). The student will be expected to collect data with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to integrate with other in situ data sets into a landscape modelling framework with the objective of predicting the spatiotemporal probability of human wildlife conflicts, the effects of swine invasion on native wildlife communities, and swine population vulnerability as predicted by island biogeography theory. The successful student will have access to large data sets from radiotags and accelerometers deployed on feral swine, remotely sensed agricultural data, a captive feral swine facility, the Center for UAV Research, and camera traps deployed in remnant forest patches across Agroecosystems of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Required Qualifications: Successful completion of the FAA UAS training will be required within the first semester. Possess or obtain a driver’s license. Ability to work in teams or individually in secluded and remote, hot and humid conditions, where most organisms want to sting, bite, or puncture you. Preferred Qualifications: Strong quantitative, GIS, and written skills are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, fun attitude with a good sense of humor, and desire to promote research and technology transfer through social media and public speaking. Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, a current curriculum vitae, contacts for three references, and an example of writing (preferably a peer-reviewed publication) to Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lash...@msstate.edu. We will be accepting and reviewing applications immediately until a suitable applicant is found. Start date is flexible but intended for August 2018.
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant/Associate Professor - Bryan Endowed Program for Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Assistant/Associate Professor Endowed Program for Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University POSITION: Assistant/Associate Professor; Bryan Endowed Program for Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU), is seeking applications for a full time, 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant/Associate Professor rank. This person will be involved in research, teaching, and service. LOCATION: This position is on the MSU campus, located in Starkville, Mississippi. A description of the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture can be found at http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife STARTING: August 2018; or sooner as negotiated. REVIEW: Begins March 15th; will continue until filled. RESPONSIBILITIES: We seek an ecologist/wildlife biologist to develop a robust research program in the area of avian ecology with an emphasis on galliformes, to include northern bobwhite and eastern wild turkey ecology and management. Other important areas include grassland bird ecology; grassland restoration (and associated environmental services such as pollination); and wildlife conservation in working agricultural ecosystems. We encourage applicants with expertise in the management and monitoring of avian populations and their habitats and those who integrate their work into the broader prairie habitat ecosystem context. This position will operate with support of the Bryan Endowed Research program. Collaboration with scientists in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), Extension Service, and USGS is expected. The successful candidate will be expected to transfer research outcomes to stakeholders to advance galliform and wildlife conservation in agricultural and forested landscapes, and support the land-grant mission of MSU, which includes teaching, research and service. Teach undergraduate/graduate-level courses in aspects of agricultural wildlife conservation and management and avian ecology. Develop a graduate course in area of expertise, as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. with expertise in wildlife management, avian ecology and/or related discipline. Excellence in teaching, communication and organizational skills, procurement of extramural funds to accomplish research, mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students, publication of peer-reviewed publications, and a commitment to service are expected. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse science disciplines and stakeholder groups, and work closely with federal and state resource agencies to support long-term partnerships. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Substantive knowledge of and experience in galliform/northern bobwhite ecology; issues linked to agricultural land impacts, remediation/restoration in association with the maintenance of biotic integrity; agro-ecology and conservation; grassland or pine grassland ecology; habitat management, and federal farm bill conservation programs; Post-doctoral research or equivalent work-related experience and teaching proficiency. Preference will be given to candidates whose research naturally crosses disciplinary lines and may address questions of relevance to state and federal agencies. APPLY: Applications must be submitted online (http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/listing/; position (PARF# 496662) and should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statements of research and teaching philosophies. Send official and complete college transcripts, 3 PDFs of recent refereed publications, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Dr. Bronson Strickland, Ph.D. Faculty Search and Screening Committee (Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation) Box 9690; Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Mississippi State, MS 39762 bronson.strickl...@msstate.edu For more information, call (662) 722-1510 or email at bronson.strickl...@msstate.edu Mississippi State University is an AA/EEO employer MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant/Associate Professor "Bryan Endowed Program for Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation"
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Assistant/Associate Professor Bryan Endowed Program for Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University POSITION: Assistant/Associate Professor; Bryan Endowed Program for Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant/Associate Professor rank. This person will be involved in research, teaching, and service. LOCATION: This position is on the MSU campus, located in Starkville, Mississippi. A description of the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture can be found at http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife STARTING: August 2018; or sooner as negotiated. REVIEW: Begins March 15; will continue until filled. RESPONSIBILITIES: We seek an ecologist/wildlife biologist to develop a robust research program in the area of upland avian ecology with an emphasis on galliformes, to include northern bobwhite and eastern wild turkey ecology and management. Other important areas include grassland bird ecology; grassland restoration and management (including associated environmental services such as pollination); and wildlife conservation in working agricultural ecosystems. We encourage applicants with expertise in the management and monitoring of avian populations and their habitats and those who integrate their work into the broader prairie habitat ecosystem context. This position will operate in support of the Bryan Endowed Research program and will be funded through a combination of endowment revenue and extramural sources that may include the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, USFWS, USFS, USCOE, and Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever. The faculty member will engage with and represent Mississippi on regional and national conservation initiatives including: the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, The National Bobwhite Technical Committee, the East Gulf Coastal Plain Joint Venture, and The Southeastern Grasslands Initiative. Collaboration with scientists in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES), Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), Extension Service, and USGS is expected. The successful candidate will be expected to transfer research outcomes to stakeholders to advance galliform and wildlife conservation in agricultural and forested landscapes, and support the land-grant mission of MSU, which includes teaching, research, and service. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate/graduate-level courses in aspects of agricultural wildlife conservation and management and avian ecology and to develop a graduate course in their area of expertise, as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. with expertise in wildlife management, avian ecology and/or related discipline. Evidence of excellence in teaching, communication and organizational skills, procurement of extramural funds to accomplish research, mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students, publication of peer-reviewed publications, and a commitment to service. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse science disciplines and stakeholder groups, and work closely with federal and state resource agencies to support long-term partnerships. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Substantive knowledge of and experience in galliform/northern bobwhite ecology; issues linked to agricultural land impacts, remediation/restoration in association with the maintenance of biotic integrity; agro-ecology and conservation; grassland or pine grassland ecology; habitat management, and federal farm bill conservation programs; Post-doctoral research or equivalent work-related experience and teaching experience. Preference will be given to candidates whose research naturally crosses disciplinary lines and may address questions of relevance to state and federal agencies. APPLY: Applications must be submitted online (http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/496662/assistant- professor-or-associate-professor) and should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statements of research and teaching philosophies. Send official and complete college transcripts, 3 PDFs of recent refereed publications, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Dr. Bronson Strickland Faculty Search and Screening Committee (Upland Bird and Prairie Habitat Conservation) Box 9690; Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Mississippi State, MS 39762 For more information, call (662) 722-1510 or email at bronson.strickl...@msstate.edu Mississippi State University is an AA/EEO employer MSU
[ECOLOG-L] Fire Ecology Information
Dear All, I am looking for information related to prescribed anthropogenic fire across pyric ecosystems of the world. If you are involved in prescribed fire or aware of fire regimes in particular systems, I would appreciate you sending me a quick email with the average time of day your fires are ignited, the time of day they must be suppressed (if relevant), the objectives of burning (i.e., ecological restoration, fuel reduction, etc), and the reference location (i.e., ecosystem/country). Information from any ecosystem is welcome. I appreciate the help! Thanks, Marcus Lashley
[ECOLOG-L] Fully Funded Ph.D. Assistantship - Understanding the role of resource pulses in ecosystem processes
PH.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: Disturbance Ecology Understanding the role of resource pulses in ecosystem processes A fully funded Ph.D. assistantship is available for a highly motivated student interested in disturbance ecology and wildlife conservation to join the lab of Dr. Marcus Lashley in the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Department at Mississippi State University. The student will investigate how experimental and natural resource pulses affect wildlife and plant community dynamics indirectly by altering feral swine and white-tailed deer behavior. This research will span multiple systems across Mississippi with various types of resource pulses and primary and secondary consumer assemblages. Ongoing projects will give the candidate the opportunity to develop a dissertation related to experimentally- induced pulses of carrion, vegetation biomass, and vegetation quality, and natural resource pulses from plant mass seeding events. The candidate will gain a wide variety of skill sets related to plant and animal community sampling techniques and statistical approaches, and the candidate will have the opportunity to serve in a mentoring capacity to several M.S. students working on related experiments. Project duties include aiding in data collection and experimental design of ongoing projects and forming unique hypotheses and experiments for their own dissertation. Data collection in remote areas with harsh conditions will be required. The student will be expected to not only fulfill the requirements of degree completion but also to publish results in peer-reviewed journals. Competitive candidates will have the following qualifications: 1) completed a M.S. degree in Wildlife Biology, Plant Biology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline, 2) evidence of successful collaboration, and 3) related research experiences. Preference will be given to candidates with evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, strong quantitative skills, and a demonstrated publication record. To apply, please submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project and highlighting relevant experiences, a C.V., and contact information for 3 references. Applying before the deadline is encouraged because a candidate may be selected before the due date. The last date to apply is June 15, 2016. Projected start date is August 2016 (preferred) or January 2017. There is also the opportunity to start as a research associate in the Fall leading into an official start in the Ph.D. program in January. Salary: 23,500/yr + full tuition waiver and insurance Contact: Marcus Lashley marcus.lash...@msstate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] PH.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: Disturbance Ecology
Project Title: Understanding the role of resource pulses in ecosystem processes A Ph.D. assistantship is available for a highly motivated student interested in disturbance ecology and wildlife conservation to join the lab of Dr. Marcus Lashley in the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Department at Mississippi State University. The student will investigate how experimental and natural resource pulses affect wildlife and plant community dynamics indirectly by altering feral swine and white-tailed deer behavior. This research will span multiple systems across Mississippi with various types of resource pulses and primary and secondary consumer assemblages. Ongoing projects will give the candidate the opportunity to develop a dissertation related to experimentally- induced pulses of carrion, vegetation biomass, and vegetation quality, and natural resource pulses from plant mass seeding events. The student will gain a wide variety of skill sets related to plant and animal community sampling techniques and statistical approaches, and the student will have the opportunity to serve in a mentoring capacity to several M.S. students working on related experiments. Project duties include aiding in data collection and experimental design of ongoing projects and forming unique hypotheses and experiments for their own dissertation. Data collection in remote areas with harsh conditions will be required. The student will be expected to not only fulfill the requirements of degree completion but also to publish results in peer-reviewed journals. Competitive candidates will have the following qualifications: 1) completed a M.S. degree in Wildlife Biology, Plant Biology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline, 2) evidence of successful collaboration, and 3) related research experiences. Preference will be given to candidates with evidence of strong oral and written communication skills, strong quantitative skills, and a demonstrated publication record. To apply, please submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project and highlighting relevant experiences, a C.V., and contact information for 3 references. Applying before the deadline is encouraged because a candidate may be selected before the due date. The last date to apply is June 15, 2016. Projected start date is August 16, 2016. Contact: Marcus Lashley marcus.lash...@msstate.edu
