Ph.D. positions available to study birds in Panama

The Tarwater Lab (Avian Ecology and Behavior, https://www.tarwaterlab.com/) and the Kelley Lab (Behavioral Complexity Lab, https://www.kelleylab.org/) in the Department of Zoology & Physiology at the University of Wyoming are hiring a total of two Ph.D. students interested in working on army-ant-following birds to explore the evolution of social behavior, the consequences of behavior on communities, and flexibility in behavior, as part of a newly funded NSF grant. One student will be advised by Dr. Tarwater and the other student will be advised by Dr. Kelley, but we will be part of a collaborative team investigating different aspects of army ant-following birds. Field work will take place in Panama for 6- 8 months each year. Each Ph.D. position is fully-funded for 2.5 years, including funding for salary, tuition, and field research expenses. For the remainder of the time, student salary will be covered through teaching assistants or other acquired grants. Tuition, fees, and health insurance costs will be covered. Successful applicants would start Summer - Fall 2022.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will be expected to participate in a team environment, manage a field crew, present results
at professional conferences, apply to other grants as needed, and publish results in a timely manner in peer-reviewed scientific
outlets. Candidates must possess a B.S. or M.S. degree in biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource management, or a related
field and have 2+ years of field experience (including experience in the mist-netting and behavioral observations of birds). Ideal
candidates would have proficiency in Spanish, some practical experience working with and analyzing large data sets, and
experience in writing manuscripts. Preference will also be given to applicants with experience in tropical avian ecology. We
strongly encourage underrepresented students in STEM and international students to apply.

Application timeline and procedure: Applications are due 4-March-2022. To apply, submit a single PDF containing the
following components: [1] a cover letter (2 page maximum) that includes a description of your academic background, future
plans, and why you are interesting in joining our labs, [2] a curriculum vitae (2-page max), [3] the name and contact information
of three references, and [4] unofficial transcripts (a PDF download from your undergrad university’s registrar office). If you are an
international student, please include your TOEFL scores. Even though there are two Principal Investigators, please only submit
one application as we will review applications jointly. Your application should be submitted using the Google application form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwXyzFJXLDf2LAwWm-6i9e5nj4AJkm4c0mTBZO5kfcB0P8xg/viewform).

Diversity Statement: Diversity in knowledge, experiences and identities in research groups increases productivity and creativity.
The Tarwater and Kelley Labs are strongly committed to increasing the representation of traditionally excluded groups and
fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research environment at the University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming
values a wide range of cultural perspectives, experiences, and opinions that are important for educational excellence and critical
for preparing students for future success.