Graduate Research Assistants: USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

School: Mississippi State University (USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit)

Location: Mississippi State, fieldwork in Puerto Rico

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Nationally competitive

Start Date: 01/06/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

    I am currently seeking three graduate students at the M.S. (two) and PhD (1) level for a funded research project on coastal wetlands in Puerto Rico. Students interested in avian population and community ecology, movement ecology and species-habitat modeling are encouraged to apply. This project will address ecological and management questions on conservation and restoration of coastal wetland ecosystems in tropical oceanic islands at local, island and regional scales.
    Master’s students will address wetland bird community and nesting ecology. Results will highlight wetland restoration needs and habitat conditions for wetlands birds. Doctoral student will address movements, resource selection and survival of the West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) using GPS telemetry. Results will highlight the functional role of this species as indicator of coastal wetlands at multiple spatial scales.
    The Master's program in Wildlife Ecology at Mississippi State University will provide 3-years of graduate research assistantship funding, including tuition and insurance. PhD program will provide up to 4 years of support in the form of graduate research assistantship with full tuition and insurance covered. Stipend amounts are competitive on a national level. For more information on the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University visit: http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/. 

Qualifications:

     Candidates interested in applying for either MS or PhD positions are encouraged to email Dr. Francisco J. Vilella (fv1@msstate.edu, fvilella@usgs.gov) with the following information: 

1) An unofficial transcript (undergraduate and/or MS, as appropriate).

2) Curriculum vitae including contact information for three professional references.

3) A brief personal statement describing research and career goals, and how this degree would help the student achieve these goals.