GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP (M.S.) in Wildlife Ecology (USA)

The School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences and the South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Clemson University is seeking candidates for a graduate research assistantship (M.Sc) in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology to take the lead on a research project designed to better understand the ecological impacts and damage caused by invasive feral pigs in a variety of habitats throughout South Carolina.  The student will lead an effort to quantify feral pig habitat preferences and levels of habitat disturbance using a variety of tools such as camera traps, live trapping, habitat surveys, and habitat suitability modeling.  While a large deal of the research effort will involve fieldwork throughout the state, the student should also have strong quantitative and analytical research skills necessary for modeling disturbance over time and space. The ideal candidate will also have an inquisitive mind towards developing novel solutions for mitigating the habitat destruction caused by this invasive species. Experience with geospatial referencing tools and habitat suitability modeling is a plus.  The ultimate goals of this project will be to gain a broader understanding of the ecosystem damage invasive species such as hogs may have on different habitat types. This work will directly support the development of an adaptive management plan for feral hog harvest and population management in the state.  The project will focus on South Carolina populations but the results of this work will have far reaching impacts on invasive species management throughout the southeast.   The position will be available beginning in January or August of 2014.  Research stipends are approximately $14,000, and a full tuition waiver is available.

Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Biostatistics, or related field, a good work ethic, and strong quantitative or modeling skills. Experience with statistical analyses of ecological data, proficiency in ArcGIS, and/or population and occupancy modeling are desired, but not required. To be competitive, applicants must have undergraduate and graduate GPAs > 3.0 and GRE scores above the 60th percentile. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants that are selected for a phone interview will be contacted directly by Dr. Kate McFadden. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the project, copies of undergraduate transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for at least 3 references.  Application materials can be sent by e-mail and should be saved as a single pdf in the following format: Last Name_FeralHogs MS.pdf

 Contact information is:

Dr. Kate McFaden, G20 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, 864-656-4141, kwm6@clemson.edu