PhD opportunity in Raptor Conservation in California National Parks at the University of Wisconsin Madison

Ph.D. Position Studying Raptor Predator-Prey Interactions in Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks (University of Wisconsin-Madison).
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Species inhabiting dry forest ecosystems are increasingly threatened by severe wildfire, drought, and other stressors owing to interactions between climate change and past management practices. I am seeking a graduate student to join a long-term spotted owl research project testing the broader hypothesis that forest conditions, wildfire, drought, climate change, and management have altered predator-prey interactions to the detriment of predator populations. The student would lead a multi-year field study in Yosemite National Park, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, and adjacent National Forests investigating interactions between spotted owls and their prey. The study will leverage new technologies in GPS tracking and nest video monitoring to characterize predator-prey interactions in different environmental contexts. The project is funded by a strong public-private partnership and is expected to directly inform management planning and practices in an ecologically sensitive and high-profile region. 

The position ideally would start in September of 2021 but could begin January 2022 if necessary. Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. 

Find the full position description and application instructions at: https://peery.russell.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/276/2021/04/PositionDescription_RaptorConservation.pdf