Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship – Movement Ecology of Colonial Waterbirds

CAESAR KLEBERG WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE

DICK AND MARY LEWIS KLEBERG COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Position Title: Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship – Movement Ecology of Colonial Waterbirds

Position Description: The Waterfowl and Wetland Bird Lab (http://www.bartballardlab.com) of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville invites applications from highly motivated individuals to pursue a PhD degree and conduct innovative research within our highly collaborative lab. This project is part of a multi-institutional collaborative study that’s goal is to prioritize islands for conservation that would provide maximum benefits to colonial waterbirds. The student will collect and analyze rich datasets of tracking data from Great Egrets, Tri-colored Herons, Reddish Egrets, Caspian Terns, and Black Skimmers to develop several prioritization metrics. Due to the immense amount of data covering the entire annual cycle, the student will have ample opportunity to develop additional research questions. Research data will be used by the successful applicant for their dissertation. Successful applicants will be expected to publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and present papers at scientific meetings.

Location: Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas (approx. 45 miles south of Corpus Christi, Texas). Research will be conducted on public lands and on private ranches along the lower Texas coast.

Qualifications Required: M.S. in ecology, wildlife science, biology, or closely related fields. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, and ability to work under adverse field conditions (hot humid South Texas environment). Skill in operating motor boats is desirable. Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and conduct field research is required. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and competitive GRE scores.

Stipend/Salary: $2,000/month plus benefits (medical package has a 60-day waiting period). Nonresident tuition waived (resident tuition fees apply).

Start Date: August 2022

Application Deadline: 15 March 2022

To Apply: Send via email a single pdf file that includes 1) a cover letter, 2) career goals, 3) resume/CV, 4) transcripts (can be unofficial), 5) GRE scores, and 6) names and email addresses of 3 references to:

Dr. Bart Ballard

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

700 University Blvd., MSC 218

Kingsville, TX 78363

Phone: 361-593-3954

Email: bart.ballard@tamuk.edu

Texas law requires that males 18 through 25 show proof of compliance with Federal Selective Service law in order to be eligible for employment. Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation to be hired for this position.

EEO/AA/ADA