[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD Student Position Available in Spatial Synchrony of Masting and Avian Migration (Zuckerberg & Townsend)

[Phil Townsend]

PhD Student Position Available in Spatial Synchrony of Masting and Avian Migration



A 4-year PhD research assistantship is available to study the geography of masting in conifer ecosystems and its effect on avian irruptions. Note that this position is contingent on sufficient funding which will be determined in December. The PhD assistantship is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2015.



We are seeking an outstanding student to pursue a PhD in the study of masting in forested ecosystems and its concurrent effect on avian irruption patterns. The student’s dissertation thesis will involve studying patterns of spatial synchrony using a combination of field and remote sensing methods. The student will be co-advised by a Benjamin Zuckerberg (Forest & Wildlife Ecology; http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/zuckerberg/) and Phil Townsend (Forest & Wildlife Ecology; http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/townsend/) in collaboration with Jalene LaMontagne (DePaul; http://csh.depaul.edu/departments/biological-sciences/faculty-and-staff/Pages/lamontagne-jalene.aspx). Additional field or modeling components could be added depending on shared interests and funding opportunities.



Qualifications:



A MS degree in geography, forestry, wildlife, ecology, evolution or other related disciplines is highly desired.  Applicants with a BS degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS and statistics is required.  Although not a requirement, the preferred candidate will have experience in population biology and avian ecology. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work and lead a research team, are essential.



University, Department, Labs:



The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students.  Employees include 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife biology.



Town:



Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study.  It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 500,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities.  For more information on campus and town see: http://www.wisc.edu/about/location.php.



Stipend/Salary:



Current annual stipend levels are $21,224 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits.  A start date of September 2015 is envisioned.



Application Process:



Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until a suitable candidate is chosen. Applications received before December 19, 2014 will be given full consideration.  The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.  The position is open to both US citizen and international candidates.



Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rodock at wisc.edu) (in ONE PDF file please).



- Our departmental graduate application cover sheet (http://go.wisc.edu/oxbq0b)


- Letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds


- Resume or CV


- Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point)


- GRE scores


- Names and contact addresses of three references



Questions should be directed to Drs. Zuckerberg (bzuckerberg at wisc.edu) or Townsend (ptownsend at wisc.edu).



--
Phil Townsend
Forest & Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin

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