Job Title: PhD Assistantships – Movement Ecology and Habitat Use of Colonial Waterbirds
Organization: Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Florida,
Location: Gainesville, FL
Deadline: 15 April 2019
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Description
I am seeking two highly motivated, creative, and quantitative Ph.D. students to investigate movements and habitat use by colonial waterbirds (tri-colored heron, little blue heron, white ibis) in coastal Alabama. The goal of this research is to better understand the contributions of individual nesting colonies to a metapopulation of Ardieds in order to guide restoration. This is a fully-funded position in which the incumbents will use satellite and VHF telemetry to investigate movements, fidelity, dispersal, and habitat use within the study area over multiple years. The students will have the intellectual freedom to develop other research questions related the movement ecology of wading birds. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to shape the specific research questions within the following topics: 1) daily and seasonal movements among nesting colonies; 2) fidelity and dispersal of juveniles; and 3) identification of important foraging habitats.
Qualifications
M. S. in ecology, wildlife science, biology, or closely related fields. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, and ability to work under adverse field conditions (hot humid environment). Applicants with experience capturing and handling waterbirds, working with movement data, and publishing research will be favored; however, the desire to learn analyses pertinent to movement data is critical. Experience and comfort in operating boats is desirable. Successful applicants will be expected to work closely with a team of other graduate students, field technicians, and collaborators, present results at professional conferences, and publish results in a timely manner in peer-reviewed scientific outlets. A competitive graduate assistantship will be provided, which includes annual stipend, in-state tuition, and benefits. To apply, please email a SINGLE PDF file that includes 1) a cover letter outlining field and quantitative experience and interest in studying animal movement, 2) a CV, 3) unofficial GRE
score sheet, 4) contact information for three references, and 5) unofficial transcripts to Abby Powell (abbypowell@ufl.edu). The successful applicant will start in August 2019.