Ph.D. Research Assistantship Reintroduction Success of Sharp-tailed Grouse in Western Montana
Stipend: $29,000 per year, field housing Start: Fall 2022 Last date to apply: 4/15/2022 Project description: I seek a highly motivated Ph.D. student to lead a multi-year study examining the population and spatial ecology of reintroduced populations of sharp-tailed grouse in western Montana. Objectives of this study include:
Evaluate the space use, habitat selection, and fidelity to restoration sites of translocated grouse
Develop and evaluate methods to estimate reproductive effort and success when field access is limited
Evaluate seasonal survival and sources of mortality of translocated grouse
Estimate population viability of restored populations of sharp-tailed grouse
Information from this work will be used to inform future translocations and reintroductions of grouse, as well as advance basic understanding of grouse populations. The successful candidate will matriculate with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from Montana State University. Qualifications: M.S. in Wildlife Ecology or related discipline; GPA > 3.0 and competitive GRE scores, English proficiency and valid driver license. A strong work ethic, project management experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to successfully lead field research crews is required. Research will occur on private lands in western Montana and good personal skills are required; experience interacting and working with landowners/producers is a plus. Preferred qualifications include experience trapping and handling prairie-grouse, conducting telemetry, measuring vegetation, demonstrated experience with GIS and the statistical program R, and demonstrated publication record from previous research.
To apply, send a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Lance McNew at lance.mcnew@montana.edu. Deadline for applications is April 15 but applications will be reviewed as they are received. https://www.wildlifehabitatecologylab.com/.
