Graduate (PhD) Assistantship: Influence of recolonizing wolves on deer herbivory and plant communities in Washington

Agency: School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS), College of the Environment, University
of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA

Job Description: This project will explore the indirect effects of gray wolf (Canis lupus)
recolonization on plant communities in Washington, as transmitted by changes to mule
(Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed (O. virginianus) deer herbivory. Fieldwork will entail
establishment and monitoring of paired herbivory exclosures and controls over the course of three
years across four study areas – two influenced by wolf packs and two that have yet to be colonized
by wolves – to both characterize baseline patterns of herbivory by the two deer species and test for
shifts in these patterns in response to the threat of wolf predation. The student will benefit from
full financial support, existing research infrastructure, and collaboration with another UW graduate
student and agency biologists as part of an ongoing, NSF-supported study of the ecological
impacts of wolves in Washington.

Qualifications: Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong work ethic, well-developed oral
and written communication skills, and an excellent academic background. Academic preparation
must include a MS in plant sciences, wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields with evidence of
peer-reviewed publication and considerable field experience working in remote areas.
Furthermore, preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated interest and experience in
studying plants and plant-herbivore interactions in the field.

Applicants should create a single document (e.g., a pdf) that includes a brief letter of interest (1-2
pages), CV, unofficial transcripts, unofficial general GRE scores, and a list of 3 references and their
contact information. The name of the file should contain the first and last name of the applicant.
This file should be sent to Dr. Aaron Wirsing (wirsinga@uw.edu) via e-mail with “Deer herbivory” in
the subject line. Screening of applications will begin on the 15th of January, 2014, at which time
we will contact references for those on the short list. The student will begin in the autumn of 2014.

Salary: Stipend, fringe benefits, tuition

Last Date to Apply: January 15, 2014

Contact: Dr. Aaron Wirsing
E-mail: wirsinga@uw.edu
Phone: 206-543-1585
Faculty Website: http://predatorecology.com