MS in Biology - 2 positions available in Conservation and Evolutionary Ecology of Rails

The McRae Lab at East Carolina University seeks student candidates for the Masters in Biology program at ECU https://biology.ecu.edu/graduate-studies/masters-programs/ to begin in January 2025. This start date is non-negotiable due to funding source requirements. Each student will conduct thesis research in the field of conservation and evolutionary ecology of secretive marsh birds in one of the following systems.

1. King Rail reproductive ecology and genetics

Research undertaken in the McRae Lab over more than a decade has contributed to our understanding of King Rail movement ecology, habitat use, reproductive effort and success, communication, responses to management, and adaptation to climate change. We are also currently exploring genetic variation among populations across the species range. Our findings contribute to conservation efforts by federal and state agencies.Seasonal fieldwork will be based in and around beautiful Waccamaw NWR in South Carolina https://www.fws.gov/refuge/waccamaw during Spring/Summer 2025, with the possibility of a second field season. For this position, experience capturing and handling birds is required. Since some individuals are already tagged, experience with VHF radio-telemetry would be an asset, but is not required. The candidate may be asked to undertake a Motorboat Operator Certification Course required to operate refuge boats https://www.fws.gov/course/mocc-motorboat-operator-certification-course https://www.fws.gov/course/mocc-motorboat-operator-certification-course. Leadership skills are critical as the position entails leading a team of seasonal field assistants during the Spring/Summer to conduct callback surveys to locate breeding rails, find and monitor nests, and catch rails for sampling and banding using a variety of methods. Candidates will receive training and should have an interest in learning techniques in population genetic analysis using genomics data. The student will contribute to standardized vital rate data on breeding ecology while also developing an independent thesis project. Within the broader scope of the project, specific research questions of the thesis will be developed in consultation with the mentor.

2. Developing minimally invasive techniques for monitoring Black Rails

Populations of this smallest and most elusive rail have drastically declined. In addition to contributing to monitoring of the species in the Carolinas, this project will develop new methodology for detecting and studying secretive rails and contribute to understanding aspects of their sensory ecology. Fieldwork will be based in regional coastal wetlands, principally Carteret County, North Carolina. Black Rails will be located using standardized callback surveys. The candidate will also deploy and maintain Automated Recording Units and trail cameras for passive monitoring. The candidate will be responsible for the management and analysis of field data, including audio and visual media. Candidates should have strength in problem solving and developing innovative solutions to novel challenges. In addition to monitoring innovations, this research will contribute to the development of a comprehensive conservation plan for this federally-listed species. Experience and knowledge of working with endangered species preferred. The candidate will receive training in field and lab techniques.

Fieldwork for both these projects is physically demanding, entails early morning start times and a non-traditional work week. For both projects, desired experience includes ability to identify rail calls and navigating marsh habitats. Field teams spend long hours wading and/or kayaking through water, mud and vegetation in the marsh, in hot, humid conditions of the Carolina summer. Some evening work may also be necessary.

ECU’s Masters in Biology program offers an evolutionary and organismal biology concentration in the welcoming atmosphere of an inclusive department where Masters students still comprise the majority of the biology graduate student body. Graduate course offerings are available that enhance practical research skills. A fun and interactive group of graduate students engage in their own governance and participate in many departmental activities gaining experience in teaching, research and service. Most graduate students are supported by teaching assistantships during the main academic terms. For both positions, research support is available for the first Spring semester and Summer. TAships are available during subsequent academic terms. All students at ECU must pay tuition during the academic terms, but in-state rates in North Carolina are relatively moderate. Limited out-of-state tuition waivers are available on a competitive basis to non-residents of North Carolina.

Qualifications:

Must have the following:

·       BS degree in Biology, Wildlife Ecology or a related field

·       strong academic record

·       a clean driver’s license and own vehicle (please confirm both in your cover letter)

·       interest in avian conservation

·       enthusiasm for integrative scientific approaches and a desire to learn new skills

Candidates will likely need a personal vehicle to travel from campus to field sites at least some of the time. Eligibility for driving government-owned vehicles requires a clean driving license. Candidates should be comfortable working around water. In addition to the project-specific requirements listed above, please describe all relevant experience in avian field ecology and research.

To apply:

Research will be under the direction of Dr. Susan McRae, and the work will be coordinated with USFWS partners. Review of applications will begin October 14th, 2024, and continue until the positions are filled. Please submit a single pdf file including 1. a cover letter describing your interests and qualifications for the position(s), 2. your resume, 3. academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage), and 4. the names and contact details of three references by e-mail to mcraes@ecu.edu. Please indicate ‘MS Biology - Rail Conservation’ in the subject line, and your preferred project, if any (King Rail or Black Rail). Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and selected candidates will be invited to submit a formal application to the ECU Graduate School https://gradschool.ecu.edu/application-process/. Final offers will be contingent on acceptance in the program.