PhD Position Available in Barred Owl Ecology and Management (UW-Madison)

We are seeking an outstanding PhD student to lead an exciting study on the ecological dynamics and management of the invasion of barred owls across western North America. The student’s dissertation will involve: (1) quantifying the environmental changes underlying the range expansion; (2) developing conservation strategies to reduce barred owl effects on native species in California; (3) additional topics of mutual interest and relevance to barred owl invasion dynamics. The dissertation will be embedded within a large, California-wide study of barred owls involving several other graduate students and research scientists which is being conducted in collaboration with the Integral Research Ecology Center and funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The student would be enrolled in the Wildlife Ecology PhD program housed in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at UW-Madison. The student would be advised by Dr. Zach Peery and co-advised by Dr. Benjamin Zuckerberg. The position will begin in the fall semester of 2023 or spring semester of 2024.

Applicants must have a MS degree in ecology, wildlife, conservation, or other related discipline. We will only consider applicants with a BS degree if they have proven relevant experience. A solid working knowledge of avian ecology, GIS, and statistics are required. Prior publication experience is preferred. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills are essential.

Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is open to both US citizens and international candidates. The project includes an annual stipend, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Three years of guaranteed funding is available with additional funding likely available through a combination of teaching and research assistantships.

UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology and conservation biology. The university ranks consistently among the top research universities in the United States.  Total student enrollment is 43,000 of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2,000 faculty.  UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct research! The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to live and work.  For information about campus and city, please see http://www.wisc.edu/about/

To apply, please submit your application to Zach Peery, mpeery@wisc.edu

After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters from top candidates.