MS Graduate Assistantship in Avian Ecology/Movement Ecology

The Contina Lab in the School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is looking for two motivated graduate students (MS) to join our team. We study the ecological mechanisms underlying species resilience under local and global change, with emphasis on migratory populations. Our lab focuses on species that exhibit quantifiable variation in response to environmental change such as buntings, warblers, jays, and plovers. Through a combination of cutting-edge tools including tracking devices and molecular methods, we promote a novel framework in Movement Ecology. Prospective students are expected to develop their own research questions and explore new interdisciplinary approaches with particular emphasis on stable isotopes, modeling, and bioacoustics. An overview of the research conducted in recent years can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/contina/publications

Required qualifications. An undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, or related field from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent institution abroad is required to begin a MS program. The selected individual must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. UTRGV admission guidelines can be found here: https://shorturl.at/coG04

Application description. Complete applications must include: 1) a one-page cover letter that addresses your experiences and goals with respect to this position as well as how you meet the required and desired qualifications; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) contact information for three references; and 4) copies of all post-secondary transcripts. All materials should be compiled as a single PDF document and submitted to Dr. Andrea Contina (andrea.contina@utrgv.edu). Please include ‘Graduate Student Application’ in the email subject line.