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From: Whsg <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> on behalf of Lanctot, Richard (Rick) <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2023 1:50 PM
Subject: [Whsg] Master's Student Opportunity working in Arctic


M.S. Graduate Assistantship in Shorebird Ecology in the Arctic - based out of Iowa State University



Description

One M.S. assistantship in shorebird ecology is available in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Iowa State University beginning in August 2023. The student will be co-advised by Drs. Stephen J. Dinsmore (ISU) and Richard B. Lanctot (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and will work with a long-term shorebird dataset collected near Utqiaġvik, Alaska. The research will require two summer field seasons (mid-May through the end of July, 2024 and 2025) in Utqiaġvik to collect data and provide leadership for this long-term study. One potential research topic is an investigation of how egg size, body size and condition, and molt timing and duration has changed through time for multiple shorebird species, and how these traits may be influenced by local ecological conditions and climate change in general. We are willing to consider other questions of interest the student may wish to explore in this long-term dataset. The student will be supported by a 3-year Teaching Assistantship with additional summer support; travel to and housing/food in Alaska is covered.

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management has a robust graduate research program with>50 M.S. and Ph.D. students investigating a wide range of natural resource questions. Wildlife Ecology is the largest graduate discipline. Iowa State University has approximately 30,000 students with strong programs in ecology, statistics, evolution, and many other applied sciences. Ames has a small town feeling and reasonable living expenses with great opportunities for outdoor activities.

Qualifications

B.S. degree in wildlife science, ecology, biology, or related natural resources field with undergraduate GPA >3.0. Desired qualifications include an excellent academic record, strong quantitative skills, field experience with birds, a strong interest in shorebird conservation and the Arctic, and excellent writing skills. Stipend is approximately $25,000 per year. The student will receive health insurance and a waiver of one half of graduate tuition (student cost is ~$5,500 per year). Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English is required. International students can apply and if they get a Visa they would be waived to in-state tuition rates.

To apply, please email the following documents: a cover letter describing professional interests and career goals, a curriculum vita, copies of all college transcripts, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. Preferred start date is 21 August 2023.

Contact

Dr. Stephen J. Dinsmore, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>



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Richard Lanctot, PhD (he, him, his)
Shorebird / Seabird Coordinator, Alaska Region
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Migratory Bird Management
1011 East Tudor Road, MS 201
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Phone: +1 907-786-3609
Personal Cell: +1 907-440-9733 (mostly monitored)
Work Cell: +1 907-312-4859 (monitored less but good overseas and in Utqiagvik)


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