PhD position in pollinator and bird restoration, Bozeman, Montana

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Agency

Montana State University

Location

Bozeman, Montana

Job Category

Graduate Assistantships

Salary

TBD

Start Date

04/01/2023

Last Date to Apply

12/31/2022

Website

https://www.montana.edu/ecology/

Description

We are seeking applicants for a PhD position in the Burkle lab in the Ecology Department at Montana State University. This graduate student will work in sagebrush habitat on the Charles M Russel National Wildlife Refuge to study how invasive annual grass herbicide treatments influence native vegetation, bee pollinators, and birds using pre- and post-treatment assessments. Research in the Burkle lab is focused on community ecology, conservation, and species interactions, especially plant-pollinator interactions. The graduate student will work as part of a team including faculty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife scientists, resource managers, and field technicians. The Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) provides a stipend and a tuition waiver for up to 6 credits per semester.

The position will begin in April 2023, with field work likely starting in May for summer data collection. This is a five year position, funded mainly through U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

Requirements

· Valid driver’s license

· Strong oral and written communication skills

· Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

· Attention to detail and safety protocols

· Undergraduate degree in ecology, biology or related field

· Willingness to spend the field season in a remote location, separated from campus

Preferred qualifications

· Previous experience in plant-, pollinator- and/or bird-related field work

· Plant and/or bird identification skills (the student will not be responsible for bee identification)

· Demonstrated experience conducting independent research

· Statistical experience using the R coding language

Interested applicants should apply by submitting your application materials to Laura Burkle (laura.burkle@montana.edu) and Bill Sparklin (William_Sparklin@fws.gov). Your Application Materials should include (1) a brief personal state (no more than one page) detailing your academic background and previous research experience, reasons for pursuing graduate school, your specific current research interests, and how your research interests relate to this project; (2) your CV; (3) informal undergraduate transcripts; and (4) contact information for three references. These Application Materials may be submitted as one combined PDF file or several separate PDF files.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (open immediately) but no later than November 21, 2022. More information about the Ecology Department at Montana State University is available at https://www.montana.edu/ecology/

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications

· Previous experience in plant-, pollinator- and/or bird-related field work

· Plant and/or bird identification skills (the student will not be responsible for bee identification)

· Demonstrated experience conducting independent research

· Statistical experience using the R coding language

Contact Person

William_sparklin@fws.gov

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