MS or PhD Assistantship – Alligator Snapping Turtles – Mississippi: University of Southern Mississippi

Agency: University of Southern Mississippi

Location: Hattiesburg, MS

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.usm.edu/biological-sciences

Salary: Annual stipend of $15,000 (MS) or $18,000 (PhD) plus tuition waiver & medical insurance

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/15/2016

 

Description: I am seeking a PhD or MS student to conduct a multi-year trapping survey to assess the geographic distribution and relative abundance of alligator snapping turtles throughout river systems in Mississippi. The student will develop a thesis/dissertation that not only includes survey results on the species’ distribution and abundance, but also other aspects of its biology, including population genetics. This project is an opportunity to extensively survey, over multiple field seasons, for alligator snapping turtles throughout Mississippi’s river systems. Depending on the student’s interests and background, additional related studies will be developed, taking full advantage of the opportunity to work so extensively with this rarely encountered and little studied species of conservation concern.

 

Qualification: Applicants must have a BS or MS in ecology/environmental biology, zoology, wildlife biology, or other relevant areas. GPA and GRE scores must be competitive for admission to the graduate program. Prior experience with the safe operation of small motorboats and with trapping of aquatic turtles (especially chelydrids) is preferred but not required. Willingness and ability to work independently under potentially challenging field conditions is a must.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send the following in a single PDF file: cover letter, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Carl Qualls, Carl.Qualls@usm.edu. Also address any inquiries about the position to the same address. A start date of January 2017 is anticipated, but a summer 2017 start may be possible, if necessary.

 

Contact Person: Carl Qualls

Contact Email: Carl.Qualls@usm.edu