Position Description - PhD opportunity in Ecological modeling/Stream = fragmentation
University of Massachusetts - Amherst =20 We seek a highly-motivated student to participate in efforts to = understand fragmentation effects on population viability of stream fish. = The student will extend existing data analyses to develop a system for = prioritizing management actions at stream barriers. The aim of the = project is to develop a detailed spatial demographic model that will be = used to determine how stream fragmentation affects growth, movement and = survival of brook trout and brown trout. The model will then be applied = to a specific management area, where we will use the model to guide = management actions. Extensive existing data exist to help define the = model but the student will be expected to collect additional data to = assess the generality of the model. The position will be co-located at = the University of Massachusetts and the Conte Anadromous Fish Research = Center in Turners Falls, MA, to be co-directed by Dr. Ben Letcher, = Ecology Section Leader at the Research Center, Dr. Keith Nislow, Fish = and Wildlife Habitat Unit Leader, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research = Station located at the University of Massachusetts, and Kim Lutz, = Connecticut River Program Director for the Nature Conservancy. =20 Qualifications: MS in Ecology, Ecological Modeling, or Fisheries = Science. We are particularly interested in=20 individuals who combine strong quantitative skills (including = familiarity and experience in demographic modeling in spatially = structured systems) with ability to conduct research in the field. =20 Start date: 1 September 2007, with some flexibility. Funding is = available for 4 years. =20 Stipend: Full time, $20K/year plus benefits. Tuition waiver from UMass. = Additional funds are available for travel and research expenses. =20 Closing date: Until a suitable candidate is found.=20 =20 Contact: Interested candidates should contact Ben Letcher = ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). To apply, please provide cover letter = with statement of personal career interests and professional goals, plus = extended resume including list of references. =20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------= --- Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division P.O. Box 796 -- One Migratory Way Turners Falls, MA 01376 (413) 863-3803 Cell: (413) 522-9417 FAX (413) 863-9810 [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.lsc.usgs.gov/cafl/ecology/Ecology.html
