M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship on Southern Yellow Bats: Texas State University

School: Texas State University

Location: San Marcos, Texas

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: $13,500/9 months

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description:

     Now accepting applications for a highly motivated M.S. student interested in researching population genetics of the state-listed threatened southern yellow bat (Lasiurus ega) in Texas. The successful individual will work as a crew leader for a team conducting bat fatality studies to improve impact reduction strategies at a wind energy facility in south Texas during fall of 2017. The student will collect and analyze genetic samples from bat carcasses obtained during monitoring. Duties will include daily carcass searches, documenting fatality events, bat identification and collection, data analyses, and report writing. Portions of the research will be used for the students thesis project. The successful applicant will be expected to publish their findings and present results at conferences.

 

Qualifications:

     Required- B.S. in biology, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field. Applicants need to meet entrance requirements for the program, department, and university. The anticipated start date is January 2017 (although university application deadline is October 15, applications can be processed on an ongoing basis). A current driver’s license will be required. In addition, student salary will be funded through a combination of grant support and instructional assistantship (TA), which requires a minimum GPA score of 3.0.
      The candidate must be interested in molecular techniques and laboratory methods, and be able to relocate to south Texas (field lodging and transportation will be provided by the project) for three months in fall 2017 (rest of M.S. work will be located in San Marcos). Essential field skills required are use of GPS units, careful note taking, and good organizational skills to handle data collection, sample organization, etc. Preferred applicants will be highly motivated, independent, and have experience with bat identification, and familiarity with wind energy post-construction monitoring.
      Interested individuals should email with the subject line: Prospective Student, Yellow Bat Research. Please attach a single pdf document that includes a brief description of your research interests and why you would like to join the M.S. program and this project, a CV (including GPA and GRE scores), a scanned copy of your transcript (non-official is fine), and contact information for two references. For additional information please contact: Dr. Ivan Castro (icl3@txstate.edu)

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