Exciting PhD Assistantship Opportunity in Wildlife Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University (OSU) – USA

Position: Graduate Assistantship Agency: Oklahoma State University Location: Stillwater, OK, USA Salary: $24,000 annually with tuition waiver.

Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career in wildlife ecology and management? Oklahoma State University offers an exciting Graduate Assistantship opportunity starting on January 1, 2024. This position provides a competitive salary of $24,000 per year, along with a tuition waiver.

About the Opportunity: As a Graduate Assistant at Oklahoma State University, you will have the chance to be part of a collaborative project with the O’Connell, Duchardt, and Loss labs, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The research will focus on the declining Loggerhead Shrike, a predatory songbird found in the open country of North America.

Research Focus: Your work will revolve around the development of a spatial database and monitoring protocol for Loggerhead Shrikes, aiding in the identification of habitat associations during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. Additionally, there may be opportunities to collaborate with other Loggerhead Shrike research groups in North America and engage in research and outreach activities related to shrike ecology and management.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology/Management, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field, along with relevant experience in Geographic Information Systems, spatial modeling, and field sampling for birds. Strong communication skills, leadership, and a passion for scientific inquiry in the fields of ecology and conservation biology are essential.

How to Apply: To apply for this Graduate Assistantship, submit your application to Dr. Tim O’Connell at tim.oconnell@okstate.edu by August 31, 2023. Your application should include a cover letter outlining how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, a comprehensive CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and contact information for three references.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to further your career in wildlife ecology and management while working with a collaborative and dynamic team. Apply now and be part of Oklahoma State University’s impactful research and conservation efforts!

Are you passionate about ecological research and natural resource management? We have an incredible PhD assistantship opportunity available in the renowned Natural Resource Ecology and Management Department at Oklahoma State University (OSU). This assistantship is part of a collaborative project among the esteemed O’Connell, Duchardt, and Loss labs, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Research Focus: The focus of this assistantship is to study the declining Loggerhead Shrike, a fascinating predatory songbird found in the open country of North America. As part of this cutting-edge research, you will be involved in the development of a spatial database and monitoring protocol for Loggerhead Shrikes. Your work will contribute to identifying crucial habitat associations during both breeding and non-breeding seasons, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.

Unique Opportunities: This exceptional opportunity also allows you to interface with other prominent Loggerhead Shrike research groups across North America, fostering a dynamic network of collaboration and knowledge exchange. As a PhD student, you will have the chance to expand your research horizons and engage in additional research and outreach activities related to shrike ecology and management.

Citizen Science and Community Engagement: In this role, you will also have the exciting responsibility of coordinating a citizen/community science effort to locate and document shrike larder (food cache) locations. Your leadership in this community-driven initiative will contribute to our understanding of shrike behaviors and their role in the ecosystem.

Funding and Benefits: Starting in January 2024, the successful candidate will receive four years of research and teaching assistantship funding, ensuring a financially supported and enriching academic journey. The stipend offered is an attractive $2,000 per month ($24,000 per year). Moreover, the assistantship includes a full tuition waiver and health insurance at the incredibly affordable rate of $20 per month.

Qualifications: We seek individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology/Management, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field. Strong expertise in Geographic Information Systems, spatial modeling, and field sampling for birds is essential. The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong work ethic, self-motivation, and leadership qualities. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience in public engagement during fieldwork, are highly valued. Additionally, candidates should possess a keen passion for scientific inquiry in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, and/or natural resource management. A valid US driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications: While not mandatory, candidates with a Master’s degree in a relevant field will be favorably considered. Experience in conducting, presenting, and publishing mentored research, along with the ability to design, coordinate, and supervise field projects, will be advantageous. If you have experience leading or conducting bird monitoring surveys and excel in database management, statistical, and spatial analyses, we would be particularly excited to hear from you.

Application Process: To apply for this remarkable opportunity, please send your application to Dr. Tim O’Connell at tim.oconnell@okstate.edu. Ensure your application, due by 31 August 2023, includes a single zip file or merged pdf containing the following:

1. A captivating cover letter outlining how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Your comprehensive CV showcasing your achievements and academic journey.
3. Unofficial academic transcripts for assessment purposes.
4. Contact information for three references who can vouch for your capabilities and potential.

Don’t miss this chance to embark on an exceptional academic and research journey while contributing to the conservation and understanding of the remarkable Loggerhead Shrike. For any inquiries or further information, contact Dr. Tim O’Connell at 405-744-7593 or tim.oconnell@okstate.edu.

For more information, visit the official website: https://wordpress.com/page/timoconnell.wordpress.com/40

Apply now and be part of this exciting opportunity in the heart of the USA’s renowned academic institution’s fully funded program!