MS Graduate Assistantship – greater sage-grouse demography and space use

Title: MS Graduate Assistantship – greater sage-grouse demography and space use

Location: Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Position Description: I am seeking a graduate student to pursue a MS in Wildlife Sciences at Oregon State University to study the ecology of greater sage-grouse in Central Oregon in cooperation with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Bureau of Land Management.  This position includes 2 years of Graduate Research Assistantship funding at approximately $2400/month plus basic medical coverage while enrolled and a tuition waiver. The study will focus on two primary objectives: (1) examine space use as it relates to human disturbance, mesic habitat and conservation practices (2) determine limiting factors for the populations.  Within this framework, the student is expected to develop an innovative research project including a written thesis as partial fulfillment of the requirements of a MS degree. The student will use GPS transmitters to track female sage-grouse year-round, and field work will be required to locate nest sites, determine brood survival, and adult survival.    

Qualifications: Applicants must have the following: 1) a strong academic background in wildlife or range ecology or a closely related field; 2) 2 years of field experience with wildlife studies (grouse or sagebrush experience preferred) in extremely remote, rugged terrain under inclement weather, 3) the ability to lift 50 lbs; and 4) an ability to interact with the public on controversial issues.  Preference will be given to applicants with a strong quantitative skills, GIS skills, and experience working with avian species.  The successful applicant will be expected to enroll at Oregon State University fall term 2025 (September), but a start date February or March 2025 is necessary and hourly wages (comparable to MS student salary) to begin pilot field work will be provided.    

The final application deadline is 1 November, but applications may be reviewed until a suitable applicant has been selected. Send cover letter, resume, GRE scores (not required but if taken unofficial are acceptable), and copies of academic records (unofficial transcripts are fine) in a SINGLE PDF file to Dr. Christian Hagen (christian.hagen@oregonstate.edu).  Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.