Location University of Maine (Orono, ME) with fieldwork throughout the

Northeast

Stipend: $19,467 per year plus tuition and =C2=BD Health Insurance Premium

Description We are seeking qualified applicants for a PhD position that

will focus on migration and population ecology of American woodcock.  As a

component of their dissertation research, the student will participate in

research that seeks to better understand woodcock migration throughout the

eastern United States. The project will use GPS transmitters to collect

data on woodcock migration during both fall and spring migratory periods,

and will involve collaboration with a diverse array of project partners

including state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and

other universities.  As a member of this collaborative team, the successful

applicant will be responsible for working with project partners to capture

and tag woodcock prior to migration, retrieve location data and manage

project databases, analyze data, present results at meetings and

conferences, and publish research findings.

The student will be a member of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and

Conservation Biology <https://umaine.edu/wle/> at the University of Maine

<https://umaine.edu/>, and will be co-advised by Dr. Erik Blomberg

<https://sites.google.com/site/erikjblomberg/home> and Dr. Amber Roth

<http://ambermroth.weebly.com/>.  Support for the student will come in the

form of both teaching (~25%) and research assistantships (~75%).

Qualifications =E2=80=93

*Required Qualifications:* We seek applicants with a keen interest in the

natural world, a strong work ethic, and a desire to be an engaged member of

a research lab with like-minded colleagues. Bachelor=E2=80=99s and Master=E2=80=99s degrees

from a Wildlife Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource, or related program.

Applicants should have a GPA >3.0 and competitive GRE scores (>50%

percentile), as well as strong oral and written communication skills and

evidence of progress in publishing work from the M.S. degree.  Previous

relevant field experience, demonstrated aptitude for quantitative analyses,

and strong recommendations are required. Ability to work collaboratively

and to supervise field assistants is also required. Must possess a valid

driver=E2=80=99s license.

*Other Desired Qualifications: *Preference will be given to applicants with

experience or demonstrated interest in avian migration, animal population

ecology, and quantitative methods.  Previous experience with avian capture

and handling is highly desired.  Prior experience or exposure through

coursework with the following quantitative skills: capture-mark-recapture,

spatial analysis, regression, population modelling, and exposure to maximum

likelihood and/or Bayesian estimation methods.  Experience using R for data

management, analysis, and presentation of results. A record of effective

communication, as evidenced by presentations at professional conferences

and participation in collaborative research teams.

To apply please submit the following materials: A cover letter describing

your qualifications for the position, a current CV including GRE scores and

graduate/undergraduate GPA, contact information for at least three

professional references, and a writing sample (master=E2=80=99s thesis or published

manuscript).  A single merged pdf is preferred, writing sample may be

submitted separately.  Please submit application materials, and address any

questions about the position, to both Drs. Roth (amber.roth@maine.edu) and

Blomberg (erik.blomberg@maine.edu).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and should be submitted

by 28 February 2017 for full consideration.  The successful candidate must

be available to start September 1, 2017.

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