The Zavaleta lab <https://zavaleta.eeb.ucsc.edu/> in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department <https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/> at the University of California-Santa Cruz seeks a Ph.D. student to join the Sierra Nevada Rosy-finch Project beginning summer 2021. The project links climate and other environmental changes to the ecology and conservation of mountaintop communities, with opportunities to develop dissertation work on population dynamics, distribution modeling, food webs and local adaptation, among other topics. Our lab, department and campus (an R-1, Hispanic-Serving Institution) value inclusion and diversity, and we encourage prospective students from backgrounds underrepresented in our field to apply.
The ideal candidate has experience in and commitment to four areas:
– Vertebrate field ecology, with experience handling and observing birds, mammals or herps, and with interest in pursuing research on the ecology and conservation of an alpine-breeding songbird in a range of topic areas.
– Work, living and travel in alpine environments including mountain safety and backpacking to enable safe, effective fieldwork in our study system.
– Mentoring students from diverse backgrounds in field research experiences, to enable undergraduate field interns to contribute successfully to the project.
– Excellent quantitative and writing skills, to analyze and communicate the outcomes of research to scientific and general audiences.
To inquire directly about your potential fit or to find out more, please send Erika (Zavaleta@ucsc.edu <mailto:Zavaleta@ucsc.edu>) a cover letter with resume/CV, transcripts (screenshot/ unofficial fine), and a writing sample (paper, statement, proposal, report, etc. with you as sole or lead author). Erika will contact strong candidates for a video interview.
UCSC is located on the unceded territory of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi Tribe, at the land-sea interface in one of the most biodiverse places in North America. The EEB Department, on UCSC’s coastal campus at the western edge of town, is home to a close-knit community of faculty, staff and students nested within the vibrant community of Santa Cruz, California.