We are seeking a MS student to join our team of researchers at Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. We are partnering with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the USGS Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit to develop a modeling, monitoring, and decision-analysis framework for improving deer population management. The selected student will work closely with agency biologists to develop hunting regulations and other management decisions based on existing harvest data. The students’ work will also lead to recommendations for future data collection to improve this process.
The MS student will be advised by Dr. Aniruddha Belsare (avb0033@auburn.edu) through a fully funded research assistantship that includes a $24,000 annual stipend, tuition waiver, and subsidized health insurance. The student will be free to develop their own thesis within the scope of the project, and under the agreement that they will meet the primary objectives outlined above and in the project proposal. The student will begin as a research assistant in the Spring semester (January 2025) but would ideally start earlier as a paid temporary employee until the semester begins. Prospective candidates should be highly motivated, interested in synthesizing literature and developing computer-based modeling skills, and have a strong background in ecology, biology, zoology, wildlife, population modeling, or a related field.
Required qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Statistics, or another closely related field
· Strong communication skills in oral and written English
· Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
· Self-motivation, a positive attitude, and strong interpersonal skills
Desired qualifications
· Experience presenting and publishing peer-reviewed research
· Experience working with government agencies
· Experience with population modeling, species distribution modeling, Bayesian data analysis, GIS software, and the R statistical programming language
To apply, email Dr. Aniruddha Belsare (avb0033@auburn.edu) with the subject line “Deer Population MS.” Combine the following into a single PDF and attach it to your email: (1) a cover letter that states why you are interested in and qualified for the position; (2) a CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; (4) contact information for 3 references; and (5) TOFEL scores if applicable. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and continue until suitable candidates are found. Please feel free to email Dr. Belsare with any specific questions in the meantime. More information about our graduate program can be found here: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/graduate-study/graduate-degrees/