PhD Graduate Research Assistantship: Whip-poor-will Bioacoustic Surveys and Insect Sampling in Missouri Landscapes

A Ph.D. research assistantship with Dr. Tom Bonnot (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and Dr. Frank Thompson (US Forest Service) is available to design and conduct a study of Eastern Whip-poor-will occupancy and nocturnal insect populations across multiple landscapes in Missouri. The student will use autonomous recording units (ARUs) across a variety of forest and woodland management practices to inform future management and conservation efforts for this rapidly declining species. The student will lead in designing the sampling, data collection through deployment of ARUs, and analyzing those data. The student will also supervise two field technicians and have the opportunity to work collaboratively with multiple agency partners, including Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Candidates must have a B.S. and M.S. in wildlife science or management, natural resources, ecology, or a closely related discipline, a GPA > 3.2, and a valid US driver license (without restrictions).

Competitive applicants will have previous field experience with Whip-poor-wills and/or use of ARUs in a research setting; previous field experience; experience planning and coordinating daily field activities; experience conducting independent research, and a record of publication. Essential qualifications include excellent communications skills; experience with analyses and R; and experience with technical writing and/or publication. The successful applicant will be expected to publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and present papers at scientific meetings.

Missouri offers a low cost of living and abundant outdoor opportunities, with many conservation areas, state and national parks, and national forests spread across the state. And MU’s School of Natural Resources provides an excellent opportunity to network among conservation agencies as it houses a USGS Cooperative Unit, the USFS Northern Research Station, and staff from the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Benefits package includes a stipend of $25,000 per year, a tuition waiver, and insurance

Start date is negotiable, but preferred start date is between August and December of 2023

Whip PhD Announcement_Final v3_cleaned.pdfTo apply, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, contact information for 3 references, and unofficial transcripts to Thomas Bonnot (bonnott@missouri.edu) by May 18, 2023. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.