Dr. Paige Ferguson, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama, is seeking a PhD or MS student to begin in Spring 2017, Summer 2017, or Fall 2018.
Research will focus on conservation of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and land management. Potential research topics include RCW population dynamics and management in the Oakmulgee Ranger District of the Talladega National Forest or modeling future land use change scenarios and their relationship to RCW management. Close collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and stakeholders is anticipated.
Applicants should have a background in many of the following: ecology, environmental science, ornithology, wildlife management, GIS, ecological modeling, statistics, computer programming, stakeholder outreach, and field work. Applicants should be highly motivated and prepared to conduct independent field and modeling research.
To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu<mailto:pfferguson@ua.edu>) the following:
1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work in Dr. Ferguson’s lab
2. your undergraduate transcript (an unofficial copy is fine),
3. GRE scores,
4. a sample of your scientific writing (for example a manuscript or lab report), and
5. contact information for 3 references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled.
The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive 12 month stipend, and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Department of Biological Sciences. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year. Funding for summer field work expenses and conference attendance are available.
Additional information is available from the following links:
Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/
Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/
Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu<http://graduate.ua.edu/>
University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu<http://www.ua.edu/>
Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services
Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com