The Smith Wildlife Lab at UTSA
Taking A Mechanistic Approach To Understand The Effects Of Global Change On Wildlife
Description - We seek a motivated MS student to be part of the Urban Bird Project (UBP), an interdisciplinary research program which engages humanities-led ecological research on local and migratory birds to further environmental justice within San Antonio and South Texas. This specific position would support the larger UBP project goals by investigating microplastics as an environmental justice issue through avian ecology and community-engaged research in San Antonio, Texas. The successful candidate will be expected to (1) lead efforts to evaluate exposure of common nest box breeding birds to microplastics across socio-economic gradients and assess the potential implications on measures of breeding performance as part of community-engaged research; (2) assist with recruitment of community scientists in focal neighborhoods through community-engaged events; and (3) assist in the development of research tools to evaluate the impacts of community-engaged research on participants.
Three years of funding are available for travel/research costs and salary (salary starting at $34,580 per year with a 3% increase each year). Please note that there is no tuition waiver. Rather, the successful candidate is expected to pay for tuition and fees using their salary (tuition/fees are approximately $10k a year based on 9 credit hours per term). Preferred start date for the position is August 2023.
Minimum Qualifications
· B.A. or B.S. degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology, or related discipline
· A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in upper-division work
· Demonstrated involvement in the capture, handling, and banding of wild birds
· Excellent communication skills (verbal and oral)
· Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, writing)
Preferred Qualifications
· Proficiency in coordinating community-based research teams
· Experience working in interdisciplinary contexts
· Theoretical or practical experience with qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods
· Demonstrated involvement in mist-netting of wild birds
· Involvement in public engagement/outreach, particularly within diverse communities
· Previous experience with fieldwork in urban areas
· Familiarity with Program R and GIS.
To Apply - Submit an application packet as a single PDF including: (1) one-page letter of interest, (2) CV or resume, (3) unofficial undergraduate transcripts, and (4) contact information for three professional references to Dr. Jennifer Smith (jennifer.smith@utsa.edu). The deadline to apply is 5th May 2023. Applicants from underrepresented groups in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply.
About The University of Texas at San Antonio: UTSA is a large urban university located on the scenic north side of San Antonio. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of UTSA to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The UTSA campus is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Contact Person – This position will be housed in the Smith Lab at UTSA, co-advised by Dr. King-Kostelac and is funded through The Mellon Foundation. Please send questions about the position to Dr. Jennifer Smith (jennifer.smith@utsa.edu)
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