Herp Related Research - From Interns to Graduate Research Position

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Herp Related Research Positions-From Interns to Graduate Research Position

1) Graduate Assistantship Position Available - Evaluate the current distribution and occupancy of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Texas in relation to watershed and landscape factors and determine their degree of mercury biomagnification in aquatic food webs.

2) Graduate Research Assistant (PhD.): Effects of Invasive Plants on Amphibians

3) Position Description: Intern to gain experience with the study of the ecology and conservation of threatened Virginia turtle species
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1) Graduate Assistantship Position Available - Evaluate the current distribution and occupancy of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Texas in relation to watershed and landscape factors and determine their degree of mercury biomagnification in aquatic food webs.

The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University has a graduate assistantship for a master's student to begin in spring 2020. The position is funded for 2.5 years ($24,000/year), and will be based in the research group of Dr. Christopher Schalk (https://cmschalk.weebly.com/). Although the State of Texas does not allow for direct tuition waivers, out-of-state students awarded assistantships only pay the Texas resident tuition rate.

Research Focus:
The project will evaluate the current distribution and occupancy of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Texas in relation to watershed and landscape factors and determine their degree of mercury biomagnification in aquatic food webs.

Desired Qualifications:
Individuals with research interests in aquatic ecology, landscape ecology, food-web ecology, and conservation ecology are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree by the start date in ecology, wildlife ecology, or related field. Demonstrated experience capturing and handling turtles, and driving a boat/trailer is required. The ability to conduct rigorous fieldwork under extreme conditions (e.g., heat, humidity, alligators) will be necessary. Excellent communication and time-management skills, a strong work ethic and attention to detail also are essential. The candidate must also have a valid driver's license.

About the Area/University:
SFA is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, with more than 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (http://atcofa.sfasu.edu/) has a diverse faculty with strengths in forestry, ecology, wildlife ecology, environmental science and spatial science. Nacogdoches is a city with more than 33,000 residents. It recently was designated as the Top Small City in Texas according to Cities Journal.

Deadline:
Review of applications will start August 15, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. The candidate is expected to begin in January 2020.
Please send only one PDF file with a cover letter outlining your research interests and experiences, GPA, GRE scores (if available), a CV, contact details of three references and an example of your writing to Dr. Christopher Schalk ([email protected]).
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2) Graduate Research Assistant (PhD.): Effects of Invasive Plants on Amphibians

The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University has a T.L.L. Temple graduate assistantship for a doctoral student to begin in 2020 with a flexible start date. The position is funded for three years ($25,000/year), and will be based in the research group of Dr. Christopher Schalk (https://cmschalk.weebly.com/) that focuses on understanding organization and function of ecological communities and the effects of global and anthropogenic change on these systems. Although the State of Texas does not allow for direct tuition waivers, out-of-state students awarded assistantships only pay the Texas resident tuition rate. To further help defray tuition costs, $2,000 scholarships are also available through this program for qualified students. In addition to research, there also will be opportunities for the candidate to gain teaching experience.

Research Focus
The project will explore the effects of Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera), the most widespread invasive tree species across the southeastern United States, on community and food-web structure in aquatic ecosystems. More specifically, the project will entail field work and experiments to understand the impacts of Chinese Tallow on amphibians in lentic ecosystems.

Desired Qualifications
Individuals with research interests in community ecology, food-web ecology, invasive species ecology and conservation ecology are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a Master of Science degree by the start date in ecology, wildlife ecology, or related field; experience with field experiments, aquatic ecosystems, amphibians, and strong quantitative skills. Excellent communication and time-management skills, a strong work ethic and attention to detail also are essential. The candidate must also have a valid driver's license.

About the Area/University
SFA is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, with more than 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (http://atcofa.sfasu.edu/) has a diverse faculty with strengths in forestry, ecology, wildlife ecology, environmental science and spatial science. Nacogdoches is a city with more than 33,000 residents. It recently was designated as the Top Small City in Texas according to Cities Journal.

Deadline
Review of applications will start August 15th and continue until the position is filled. The candidate is expected to begin in 2020 (either spring, summer, or fall).
Please send only one PDF file with a cover letter outlining your research interests and experiences, GPA, GRE scores (if available), a CV, contact details of three references and an example of your writing to Dr. Christopher Schalk ([email protected]).
_________________________________________________________________

3) Position Description: Intern to gain experience with the study of the ecology and conservation of threatened Virginia turtle species.

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute provides the opportunity for an intern to gain experience with the study of the ecology and conservation of threatened Virginia turtle species. The intern will assist with two projects. The first is an ongoing population monitoring project examining the distribution and status of wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) populations across northern Virginia. The second project is an ongoing study that is part of a multi-state grant to determine the status and distribution of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) across their range. The intern will assist with aquatic visual encounter surveys, trapping, and radio-telemetry. They will also assist with report preparation and outreach activities to promote conservation in the Commonwealth.

Data Management: The intern will assist with data collection, data entry, and data analysis for both spotted turtle and wood turtle projects.

Public Outreach: The intern will assist with public outreach opportunities including working with collaborators and stakeholders as well as presenting research to varied audiences.

Learning Objectives:
This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Through this internship, interns will gain experience with
Standardized sampling techniques and monitoring protocols
Radio-locate turtles and manage GPS data
Provide technical assistance to stakeholders
Complete a required brief report at the conclusion of their tenure
Manage large monitoring datasets for multiple species of turtles

Qualifications:
Candidates should have graduated from a college or university within the last 12 months and have undergraduate coursework in ecology, conservation biology or a closely related field. Knowledge and field experience with ecology and conservation issues is required, as well as the ability to devote long hours in cold and wet conditions in remote field settings. Candidates should take directions easily and work well with others, yet have the ability to work independently. Individuals with previous mark-recapture and aquatic survey experience, and spatial data management and analysis skills (e.g. GIS) are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have plans for continued education or a career in ecology or conservation.

Stipend: The stipend is $700-900 per month (dependent on education level, coursework and skills).

Housing: Housing is provided at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.

Term of appointment: This is a six-month internship, starting September 16, and is a full-time appointment (40 hours per week) with opportunity for renewal of a longer period at the end of term.

Application deadline(s): Review of applications will begin on July 22, 2019 and will continue until position is filled.

Status: Open

Location: Front Royal

How to Apply: Please send a CV/resume and cover letter describing your qualifications, career goals, and what you hope to gain from the internship to Jessica Meck at [email protected]. Type Turtle Ecology Internship in the email’s subject header.

For Additional Information
Questions about this internship should be sent to Jessica Meck at [email protected].
 
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