PhD Graduate Research Assistantship: Prairie Gray Fox Ecology

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Agency

Oklahoma State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

Location

Stillwater, OK

Job Category

Graduate Assistantships

Salary

$23,000/yr + tuition waiver and health insurance at $25 per month

Start Date

08/01/2023

Last Date to Apply

11/15/2022

Description

Description: We are recruiting an ambitious PhD student to evaluate the spatial ecology and population genetics of the prairie gray fox in Oklahoma. The prairie gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus ocythous) was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act due to concerns over perceived declines in abundance and distribution. The selected candidate will combine camera trapping and occupancy modeling to evaluate factors influencing the distribution and trend in gray fox populations, and investigate factors limiting gray foxes (e.g., habitat conditions, intraguild interactions). The selected candidate will be expected to lead a multifaceted genetic sampling program (e.g., through field-based genetic sampling and engagement and cooperation with the trapping community to obtain samples from harvested animals) to evaluate the genetic structure, diversity, and effective population size (Ne) of prairie gray foxes in Oklahoma. The selected candidate will be expected to work closely with biologists from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, trappers and fur buyers, and private landowners.

Funding is available for 4 years (August 2023–June 2027), while working towards a PhD degree in Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University. The PhD position includes a graduate stipend of $23,000 in year 1 (with a 3% annual increase in salary thereafter), resident and non-resident tuition waiver, and health insurance at $25 per month (for student only; family coverage is available for an additional fee).

The selected candidate will conduct research in the Lonsinger (http://www.roblonsinger.com/) and Chitwood (https://colterchitwood.wordpress.com/) labs, which work on a wide range of research projects in wildlife ecology and management, with an emphasis on the ecology of large mammals and carnivores. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering an environment where diversity is accepted and encouraged.

To Apply: Please combine the following into a single PDF file: (1) a 1–2-page cover letter that details why you are interested in this position, your most relevant experiences, and your professional goals/aspirations; (2) a Curriculum Vitae; (3) contact information (i.e., name, affiliation, email, and phone number) for 3 references; (4) unofficial GRE scores (if available); and (5) unofficial undergraduate transcripts. Send the PDF file as an attachment to [email protected] no later than 15 November 2022 with the subject titled “Gray fox PhD Position”. Please note that applications may be reviewed as they are received, and a candidate may be selected before the closing date of 15 November 2022. Electronic (email) submission of applications is encouraged but mail is also fine; mailed applications should be postmarked by 15 November 2022 and sent to Robert Lonsinger, 007 Agriculture Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is within an hour of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside here, many of whom were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. They all contribute to the history and current vitality of our region. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
• MS in wildlife management, natural resources, or a closely related discipline
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (as required by the Department and Graduate College)
• Experience planning and coordinating daily field activities
• Experience conducting independent research
• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic
• Demonstrated ability to work in a remote or isolated setting and hike over difficult terrain
• Demonstrated ability to interact with and develop positive relationships with private landowners and/or trappers for the purpose of conducting research/monitoring on their lands
• A valid US driver’s license (without restrictions)

Desired Qualifications:
• Experience using camera traps to monitor wildlife as part of an ecological study
• Experience with GIS and experience or interest in quantitative approaches and computer programming (e.g., R)
• Experience with genetic laboratory procedures and analyses
• Excellent oral communication and technical writing skills

Contact Person

Robert Lonsinger

Contact eMail

[email protected]

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