M.S. Assistantship: Waterbird Ecology (IA)
One M.S. Assistantship in least sandpiper ecology is available in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University beginning 1 July 2021. . Deadline to apply: 5/7/2021The project will involve monitoring migratory waterbird use and vegetation at Red Rock Reservoir in Iowa during each of two field seasons (2021 and 2022) as part of the Sustainable Rivers Program. Specific fieldwork will include weekly waterbird surveys (July to September each year), a radio telemetry study of migratory Least Sandpipers each year, and vegetation transect surveys during the study period. The student will be supported by a 3-year Research Assistantship.
B.S. degree in wildlife science, ecology, biology, or related natural resources field, and undergraduate GPA >3.0; GRE scores are not required but will be considered if you have them.
Desired qualifications include an excellent academic record, strong quantitative skills with an emphasis on population modeling, field experience with birds, the ability to operate a motorized boat, and excellent writing skills.
Stipend is approximately $25,000 per year.
The student will receive health insurance and a waiver of one half of graduate tuition. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
To apply, please email Dr. Stephen Dinsmore (cootjr@iastate.edu) the following as a single document: (1) a cover letter describing professional interests and career goals, (2) a curriculum vita, (3) copies of all college transcripts, and (4) the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three references. Selection will be based on academic merit, demonstrated interest in population ecology (e.g., prior capture-recapture work, experience with program MARK, etc.), and other skills that may be relevant to this project (e.g., field skills or R programming). Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Preferred start date is 1 July 2021, although an earlier start date may be possible.
