GRADUATE POSITION IN SHOREBIRD ECOTOXICOLOGY.

A graduate assistantship will be available at Kansas State University to investigate the possible impacts of environmental contaminants upon Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Upland Sandpipers and other migratory shorebirds. Field research will involve sampling birds at stopover sites in Texas, Kansas and Nebraska; opportunities for sampling of shorebirds at wintering sites in South America are anticipated. Toxicological analyses will conducted in collaboration with Dr. Michael Hooper at Texas Tech University and Dr. Kevin Johnson at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The responsibilities of this position will include locating suitable study sites, capture of birds and collection of blood and other tissue samples, lab analyses, completing permit reports and coordination of a research network of collaborating partners. Qualified applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Biology and competitive GPA and GRE scores. Applications will be accepted at either the MSc or PhD level. Previous experience with avian field research techniques, shorebirds, contaminant analyses, statistical software and organization of field projects is desirable. The annual stipend for this position will be $18,000 per year plus a tuition-waiver. Information on graduate programs at K-State and current projects is available at: www.ksu.edu/bsanderc. This opportunity was previously advertised in Fall 2004 but confirmation of funding has not yet been received. The new expected start date for this project will be September 2005. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, a curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to DR. BRETT K. SANDERCOCK, Division of Biology, 232 Ackert Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-4901 (PH: 785-532-0120, FX: 785-532-6653, EM: bsanderc@ksu.edu). Applications by e-mail are welcome, and will be accepted until the position is filled.