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From: Mammalian Biology <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Bradley Cosentino <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, January 22, 2021 at 9:54 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: PhD opportunity in urban squirrel evolution
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) has received funding from the National Science Foundation for a project to explore principles that shape evolutionary processes in urban wildlife. The project is in collaboration with Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Bradley Cosentino) and Yale University (Adalgisa Caccone). The focus of this PhD research will be conducting field surveys of gray squirrel populations in 10 cities in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada to understand the extent to which clines in melanism along urbanization gradients are caused by divergent natural selection versus historical founder effects associated with introduction events. Extensive travel for fieldwork in the eastern United States and Canada will be required. The PhD student will also undertake field surveys and experiments to assess the drivers of selection for melanism in gray squirrels in the Syracuse, New York area, and develop additional lines of inquiry as part of their PhD program. The PhD student will also contribute to outreach efforts on backyard evolution via community science and engagement with regional K12 schools.

The position is fully funded under an NSF-funded research assistantship for three years, including summer, after which the PhD student will be supported on teaching assistantships (or other research assistantships as they become available) for up to three additional years. Annual salary will be $26,000-28,000 per year (plus tuition and benefits) for the duration of the initial three-year research assistantship. General background on the project can be found at squirrelmapper.org

ESF was established as a college of forestry in 1911 and remains one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of environmental science and forestry in the United States. ESF operates four field facilities and >25,000 acres of mostly forested land, providing excellent opportunities for field research. Students at ESF enjoy the benefits of a small institution, but can also access the resources and facilities of Syracuse University, an adjacent, large university. Located in central New York State, Syracuse is a lively city within a half-day drive of major urban centers (New York, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal), as well as abundant natural areas (Adirondacks, Thousand Islands, Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls). The host department supports a thriving graduate program in applied ecology, wildlife science, and conservation biology.

Qualifications:
MS degree completed in wildlife biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field prior to starting the position, experience in quantitative analyses and developing peer-reviewed publications, background in wildlife sampling in the field, strong communication skills, and professional and intellectual interests in urban ecology, wildlife biology, contemporary evolution, and human-wildlife interaction.

To apply:
Please send inquiries about this opportunity to James Gibbs ([log in to unmask]). To apply, send an email containing a letter of interest (describing why specifically you are interested in the project, how your qualifications could contribute, and your professional goals), current CV, contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts from degrees completed. The start date is July 15, 2021.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

James P. Gibbs, Distinguished Professor, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology -- SUNY-ESF.