Description
Graduate assistantship focused on space-use and movement ecology of large mammals- We are seeking a highly motivated person to pursue a PhD degree in the Environmental and Life Sciences Program at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The graduate project will focus on using extensive existing GPS and VHF radio collar datasets from large mammals (wolves, coyotes, elk and white-tailed deer) to examine space-use and movement behaviour. The successful applicant will have considerable responsibility and freedom to formulate and address basic and applied research questions grounded in ecological theory. The student will have ample opportunity to assist in ongoing large mammal fieldwork, including capturing and collaring efforts, deployment and maintenance of remotely triggered trail cameras, aerial monitoring of collared animals, and conducting aerial population surveys. The study systems are all based in Ontario, Canada and the research will have direct applied relevance to the province. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Joe Northrup and Dr. Brent Patterson both of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry & Trent University.
Requirements
M.S. degree in ecology, wildlife, biology or related field is required but exceptional past experience may be considered in place of a M.S. degree. Desired qualifications include a GPA >3.5 (4.0 scale) and strong GRE scores. A strong background in ecology, demonstrated analytical capabilities, and passion for wildlife research are required. Strong quantitative, writing, and oral communication skills are also required. The strongest applicants will have demonstrated experience with programming languages commonly used for statistical and scientific applications (e.g., R and Python), and familiarity with geospatial software (e.g., ArcMap, QGIS).
Application instructions
Please email a cover letter with an explicit statement of analytical/quantitative experience and abilities, current CV, unofficial transcripts, copy of GRE scores, scientific writing sample and contact info for ≥3 references as a single attachment to Joe Northrup at joseph.northrup@ontario.ca. At least one of these references must have direct knowledge of the applicant=92s analytical capabilities. The successful applicant is expected to begin in January, 2018. Application deadline is November 5, 2017 but review of applications will begin immediately.