We seek TWO graduate students to assist with a National Science Foundation supported field study on Octodon degus social organization and social structure in Chile. The research is coordinated by faculty at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Tennessee Technological University and involves collaborations with researchers in Chile (in person) and Colombia (remotely). We are particularly interested in applications from prospective students with (i) research interests in animal social interactions, (ii) geospatial aspects of social behavior, (iii) ability to translate research to general audiences via scientific writing and (iv) Spanish speaking skills.
The prospective student(s) will contribute to a long-term study of how climatic conditions influence the fitness consequences of spatiotemporal variation in social organization and social structure. Students will work in cohorts consisting of Biology, Geology, and Math students, facilitating integrative projects and mathematical modeling of data collected in the field. The field season in Chile extends between mid-May to late November, which covers the period of mating and offspring production and care. Funding will support two field seasons in Chile.
Prospective students will enroll in a Masters or PhD program at Tennessee Technological University. Professor Manual Jara (https://scholar.google.com/
Criteria for selection:
* U.S. citizen or permanent resident, currently a full-time student or official commitment to become a full-time student by beginning of January or May 2027.
* Academic major: Biology, Environmental Science or related disciplines,
* Potential for future success, to bring unique perspectives to the program and to work effectively with a team,
* Commitment for duration of project (July-Dec 2027 and 2028)
* Ability to work long hours and live in a remote area (45 min drive from nearest city),
* Relevant coursework,
* GPA (3.0 or higher; students with GPAs lower than 3.0 may apply but need to address the issue in their statement of interest).
* All things equal: ability to drive a standard vehicle and Spanish speaking skills are preferred.
Financial benefits:
* stipend with tuition waiver
* Summer salary
* Round-trip flight on U.S. carrier
* Housing in Chile
* Travel costs in Chile (truck rental, gas, tolls)
* Supply/Equipment support