Doctoral Research Assistantship
Advancing GAP Data and Applications
North Carolina State University, Department of Zoology
Contacts: Dr. Ed Laurent ([EMAIL PROTECTED]),
Dr. Jaime A. Collazo ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
The Biodiversity and Spatial Information Center
http://www.basic.ncsu.edu at North Carolina State University seeks a
creative and driven doctoral student to support the enhancement of Gap
Analysis Program data (http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov/) for greater
accuracy and information content.
Description
The successful applicant will work under the direction of Drs. Jaime
Collazo and Ed Laurent, in collaboration with the Eastern GAP research
team, to evaluate and validate new approaches for mapping wildlife
habitat suitability and population potentials. A description of
current activities can be seen at
http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/segap/AvianModel.html. We seek a student who
can use this foundation to hone experimental, modeling and GIS skills
within the context of partner conservation objectives.
Starting date
It is desired that the successful applicant begins coursework in
Spring of 2007 (January) because a special course on Hierarchical
Species-habitat Analysis will be offered. However, exceptional
candidates will also be considered for Summer or Fall 2007.
Qualifications
1. Eligible for graduate study in the Departments of Zoology or
Forestry at North Carolina State University prior to starting. See
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/zoology/stuinfo.html or
http://www.cnr.ncsu.edu/for/courses/graduate.html for more
information.
2. GIS or remote sensing experience and a valid driver's license are
required.
3. Field experience, especially with birds, in the Southeastern United
States is desired.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate a
collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will need
to seek input from members of federal and state agencies (e.g., USGS,
USFWS, NC Wildlife Resources Commission) as well as private partners
(e.g., NatureServe, Audubon, land trusts, timber companies).
5. Preference will be given to applicants with coursework or
experience in habitat modeling, population modeling, and/or the use of
GIS for natural resource applications.
Benefits
The 12-month stipend level is $19,000/year with the potential for up
to 5% annual increases. The position includes a tuition waiver and
health care benefits. The student will have access to strong
behavioral and statistical interdisciplinary programs associated with
the Department of Zoology as well as interdepartmental GIS and remote
sensing partnerships at North Carolina State University (e.g.,
forestry, soil science, and Center for Earth Observation). A graduate
minor in remote sensing is also available
(http://www.gis.ncsu.edu/gis/curric/gm_ersia.htm).
If interested, please email a CV (including GRE scores), unofficial
transcripts, statement of research interests and experience, and names
and contact information for three references to Dr. Jaime A. Collazo
[EMAIL PROTECTED] or Ed Laurent [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note:
Statements of interest and experience will be evaluated for relevance
and communication skills.
