PhD Position Available on the Impacts of Climate Change on Winter Biodiversity

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PhD Position Available on the Impacts of Climate Change on Winter Biodiversity (UW-Madison)

We are seeking an outstanding student to advance the use of citizen science and remote sensing technologies to study the impacts of climate change on winter vertebrate diversity. The student’s dissertation will involve integrating state and national databases of bird and mammal observations, satellite-based observations of snow cover, and thermal data to develop species distribution models. These models will serve as the basis for evaluating the effectiveness of current conservation areas in protecting regions of high winter biodiversity. This is a NASA-funded collaboration among three labs in the department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at UW-Madison (Zuckerberg, Pauli, and Radeloff), the National Climate Adaptation Science Center (Carter), and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Fink). The 4-year PhD assistantship will begin in the fall of 2019 (or possibly earlier). The student will be co-advised by Drs. Benjamin Zuckerberg (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flabs.russell.wisc.edu%2Fzuckerberg%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C8dfb4643f3a34fed20a008d64eda337d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636783096429053128&sdata=krxF1Btr7RfC7Fcfxkx1%2BG%2FLy6W3ZkiTkFDgh3wb4RQ%3D&reserved=0) and Jonathan Pauli (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flabs.russell.wisc.edu%2Fpauli%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C8dfb4643f3a34fed20a008d64eda337d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636783096429053128&sdata=3bgz2PgL9pTU2QJdUfx%2Fll50VNXax54JoewqfJ6xdso%3D&reserved=0).

Applicants must have a MS degree in ecology, forestry, geography, or other related discipline. We will only consider applicants with a BS degree if they have proven relevant experience. A solid working knowledge of population modeling, GIS or remote sensing, and statistics are required.  Although not a requirement, the preferred candidate will have strong experience in hierarchical modeling, species distribution modeling, and previous experience analyzing and curating large databases. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills are essential.

Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications received by December 23, 2018 are guaranteed full consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.  The position is open to both US citizen and international candidates. The project includes an annual stipend, plus tuition remission and health care benefits.  We envision a start date of September 2019, but an earlier start date may be possible.

UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, remote sensing and geography.  The university ranks consistently among the top research universities in the United States.  Total student enrollment is 43,000 of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2,000 faculty.  UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct research! The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to live and work.  For information about campus and city, please seehttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wisc.edu%2Fabout%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C8dfb4643f3a34fed20a008d64eda337d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636783096429053128&sdata=Sucb9zV6D%2BM%2F%2FLQcq8ia7Lmo4793Idcy3yQzxJQEZu8%3D&reserved=0

To apply, please submit your application here:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fuwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com%2Fjfe%2Fform%2FSV_1yHBwC9Z9ZzcQZL&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C8dfb4643f3a34fed20a008d64eda337d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636783096429063140&sdata=iCYcazSNwI3PWMcXmYWhJTFR%2F8XE%2Fo0D%2FuZ%2BF6PHx20%3D&reserved=0

Please note that submitting an application includes filling out a small survey (< 15 minutes), uploading a cover letter summarizing research interests and experiences, curriculum vitae, and unofficial transcripts or summary of relevant coursework (both undergraduate and graduate).

After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters from top candidates.