Two Black Bear Graduate Assistantships (PhD), Virginia
Salary
~$2,400/mo + tuition and health insurance
Start Date
01/16/2024
Last Date to Apply
10/05/2023
Website
https://fishwild.vt.edu/
Description
The Wildlife Ecology, Restoration, and Conservation (WERC) and the Wildlife Habitat and Population Analysis (WHAPA) labs at Virginia Tech seek applications for two Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). Each GRA will collaborate with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and either (1) use GPS tracking technologies to understand individual and population level behavioral and demographic consequences of sarcoptic mange for American black bear (Ursus americanus) while working in the WERC lab, or (2) work with the WHAPA lab to estimate densities of black bears using hair snares and genetic mark-recapture in areas with and without mange outbreaks.
American black bears are a culturally and economically important species across their geographic range. Although black bears were historically abundant across the eastern US, their numbers declined through the 1800s into the mid-1900s because of habitat loss and unregulated hunting. In recent decades, however, black bear populations have recovered and now occupy 65–75% of their historical range, including the state of Virginia. Nevertheless, a highly contagious mammalian skin disease known as sarcoptic mange caused by an infestation of mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) can reduce survival and reproductive rates and thus potentially alter population dynamics, ecological roles, and cultural and economic importance of black bears. In Virginia, sarcoptic mange recently spread rapidly along the Blue Ridge mountains, yet neither the short nor long-term consequences of sarcoptic mange on black bear populations is known.
To understand the extent to which sarcoptic mange is causing localized population declines and provide managers with tools they can use to determine if harvest regulations need to be adjusted to prevent further declines, the GRAs will work closely with DWR biologists, veterinarians, and wildlife health specialists. The GRAs will also have the opportunity to develop additional basic and applied research questions centered around advancing knowledge of behavioral, physiological, disease, and population ecology of black bears.
The WERC and WHAPA labs, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and Virginia Tech value diversity and continually strive to maintain and promote an inclusive learning and research environment that embraces all students. We are particularly interested in applications from persons identifying with groups currently underrepresented in wildlife conservation, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, people of color, underrepresented genders, and LGBTQ+. Virginia Tech is a public land grant university in the state of Virginia and is nationally recognized as an R1 (“very high research activity”) institution across its 150 graduate programs. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Central Appalachian Mountains abutting Washington and Jefferson National Forest, providing ample opportunities for world class recreation and research.
Qualifications
Project 1: black bear population viability and movement modeling
Required qualifications:
1. M.S. degree in wildlife ecology, biology, or related field
2. Strong oral and written communication skills
3. Demonstrated diligence and strong work ethic
4. Driver's license and ability to conduct independent field work in challenging conditions (e.g., heat and humidity, biting insects, backpack in rugged terrain)
Preferred qualifications:
1. Wildlife capture and handling experience, particularly with black bears or other large carnivores
2. Exceptional quantitative skills, particularly with population and movement modeling
3. Knowledge of Program R and spatial software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS)
4. Grant writing experience
5. Experience working with variety of stakeholders, including state or federal agency biologists, local landowners, and other members of the public
Project 2: black bear abundance estimation
Required qualifications:
1. M.S. degree in wildlife ecology, biology, or related field
2. Strong oral and written communication skills
3. Demonstrated diligence and strong work ethic
4. Driver's license and ability to conduct independent field work in challenging conditions (e.g., heat and humidity, biting insects, backpack in rugged terrain)
Preferred qualifications:
1. Genetic sampling experience using hair snares for wildlife, particularly black bears or other carnivores
2. Lab experience with DNA extraction, PCR, genotyping, and genetic analyses
3. Strong quantitative skills, particularly with genetic mark-recapture and modeling
4. Grant writing experience
5. Experience working with variety of stakeholders, including state or federal agency biologists, local landowners, and other members of the public
Application Instructions:
To apply please email a single PDF to Drs. Brett Jesmer (brettjesmer@vt.edu) and Marcella Kelly (makelly2@vt.edu) that includes:
1. A cover letter (2 pages maximum) indicating which of the two projects you are applying for. Also, please describe current scientific and conservation interests, past experiences, and career goals, as well as a description of past, current, or future plans to help advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in wildlife ecology and conservation
2. Curriculum Vitae (with GPA included)
3. Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial are OK)
4. Contact information for 3 references
5. 1-2 examples of scientific writing
The email subject must be “VA bear mange project application”.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit application by October 5th for full consideration.
Please email Drs. Brett Jesmer and Marcella Kelly with any questions about the application process.
Contact Person
Dr. Brett Jesmer & Dr. Marcella Kelly
Contact eMail
makelly2@vt.edu
