Doctoral Research Assistant -Wolf Population Expansion in Michigan Description: The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University invites applications for the position of Doctoral Research Assistant. The intent of this position is to investigate the impacts of emerging populations of wolves on population dynamics of deer and elk, and associated influences on local and regional economies in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The project will focus on landscape ecology and the interaction of natural and human communities. The project has four years of financial support.
Background: Wolves colonized the western portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 1989 from Wisconsin and expanded to occupy nearly all of the Upper Peninsula. In 2015, wolves were documented in the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Continued expansion of wolf populations and specific areas of colonization will be dependent on human tolerance and prey abundance. As wolves expand south, they will encounter more people, larger densities of deer, and a population of elk. Consequently, our investigations are intended to: (1) forecast wolf population expansion, (2) estimate their potential impacts on the population dynamics of deer and elk, and (3) evaluate the interaction of wildlife and humans on scales ranging from local communities to regional landscapes. Program Support: Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is one of the largest programs of its kind with 45 core faculty (www.fw.msu.edu<http://www.fw.msu.edu>). It hosts the Boone and Crockett Quantitative Wildlife Center, whose mission is to promote wildlife conservation by applying mathematics, statistics, and computer modeling (www.bcqwc.org<http://www.bcqwc.org>). Qualifications: Applicants must have a Master's Degree in wildlife ecology or a related field, demonstrated strong quantitative abilities, and excellent communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in population dynamics, modeling, or landscape ecology, and experience working with government conservation agencies. Salary and Start Date: $22,000, tuition and health benefits. Expected start date is August 16, 2017. Applications: For more information about the position, contact Dr. William Porter (port...@msu.edu<mailto:port...@msu.edu>). Submit applications to the Departmental Research Administrator, Dr. Rose Stewart (stewa...@msu.edu<mailto:stewa...@msu.edu>), with the subject line "Wolf PhD". A single PDF file should be submitted, including: a letter of intent, CV, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, and a list of three references. Review of applications will begin March 15, 2017 and continue until the position is filled.
