PhD Assistantship: Experimental evaluation of a new natural gas field on the demography of sagebrush-obligate songbirds.
Employer: Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming.
PI and Advisor: Dr. Anna Chalfoun
Application deadline: Open until filled
Description: Seeking a qualified and highly motivated doctoral candidate to begin fall semester 2019, and conduct a before-after, control-impact, (“BACI”) experiment on the effects of a large, new natural gas field in western Wyoming, USA on the demography of the three species of sagebrush-obligate songbirds (Brewer’s sparrow, sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher). Response metrics will be measured prior to development (2020), during development (2021), and for two years post-development (2022–2023) and will (minimally) include avian habitat use, density and nest survival, and changes to the primary nest predator abundance and nest depredation rates. Additional questions of interest to the student will be considered, pending feasibility to conduct within the constraints of the system and provided the primary study goals are accomplished.
Qualifications: Required applicant qualifications include a BA/BS and MS in an ecological or wildlife-oriented field, relevant field experience, strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a strong interest in conducting rigorous and applied ecological research. Undergraduate and graduate GPAs will also be a criterion, with a preferred minimum GPA of ≥ 3.5. Applicants with publication experience will also be viewed highly.
To Apply: Please provide IN A SINGLE FILE (PDF or Word): A cover letter describing your interest in the project and obtaining a PhD, CV (including GPAs), and contact information for at least three professional references, to Dr. Anna Chalfoun (achalfou@uwyo.edu).
Contact Information:
Dr. Anna Chalfoun
Assistant Professor, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology
University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
Email: achalfou@uwyo.edu
Website: http://wyocoopunit.org/labs/chalfoun-lab
PhDAssistantshipAnnouncement_Songbirds_NaturalGas_Wyoming.docx
