Grad Student: Role of Protected Areas in Climate-Induced Bird Range Shifts

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Protected areas are an essential conservation strategy given the diversity of threats impacting species and natural communities throughout the world. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are forcing birds to move and adapt across a complex landscape of public and private lands. Conservation agencies and organizations invest significant time and resources in identifying, establishing, and managing protected lands to serve as refugia for threatened and declining species. An assumption is that these protected areas lower the risk of extinction and offer a path by which vulnerable species track a changing climate. Our goal is to work with private organizations and government agencies to evaluate the efficacy of their protected area approaches for reducing the vulnerability of birds to modern climate change. To do so, we will combine climate models with data from long-term avian monitoring data sets to analyze over two decades of bird range shifts and project future changes in bird communities across the Upper Great Lakes region. This project will be supported in the in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and under the supervision of Dr. Benjamin Zuckerberg.

REQUIREMENTS: This position is open at the M.S. Level, but a Ph.D. track is possible. Minimum requirements include: 1) background in ecology, conservation biology, or related field; 2) knowledge of avian and community ecology; 3) proficiency in R statistical programming; 4) demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in scientific journals; 5) ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate should have excellent written and personal communication skills and be able to work collaboratively in a group setting. Preferred skills include experience in working with climate data, analyzing geographic data, skills in species distribution modeling, and proven success working with agency personnel.

SALARY AND CONDITIONS: The graduate student assistantship rate is set by the department and includes an annual stipend, plus tuition remission and health care benefits.

UNIVERSITY: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, zoology, and remote sensing science. Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin’s capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 270,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities.

APPLICATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will begin immediately. Applications received before March 1, 2024, will be given full consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is open to both US citizens and international candidates. Candidates should send a well-crafted cover letter summarizing their research interests and reason for applying, CV, and contact information for three references. All applications (e-mailed as a single PDF file) should be sent to bzuckerberg@wisc.edu with the subject heading of “GradApplication” .