Opportunity: a Ph.D. graduate student assistantship to begin fall semester 2018 to study mountain lion ecology within three regions of Utah. The successful applicant will be housed in the Department of Wildland Resources at Utah State University but can opt to obtain a degree from the Department or Ecology Center.
The project involves use of radio-telemetry, GPS collars, blood/tissue samples, and remote camera data to estimate density, habitat and space use, wild and domestic prey use, and interactions with black bears. The successful applicant will be advised by Dr. Julie Young, and work collaboratively with Dr. David Stoner. This project is a joint effort between USU, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and the USDA- National Wildlife Research Center. The successful applicant will have strong field and quantitative skills (including experience with Bayesian Statistics, GIS applications, and programs like R or Python). Good interpersonal skills are essential. Prior experience publishing manuscripts, working independently in remote locations, driving a 4x4 vehicle/ATV/snowmobile, supervising field technicians, and working with agency partners are highly desired. Fieldwork will be very physically demanding, include long hours, and will involve extensive in-state travel. Previous experience working with mammalian carnivores is advantageous but not required. To apply, please email a single PDF file that contains a cover letter, CV or resumé, GRE scores, and the name and contact information of 3 references to Dr. Julie Young at julie.yo...@usu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. A final decision will be pending acceptance to the graduate school at USU.
