Ph.D. Research Assistantship – Biodiversity Responses to Streamside Management Zones

Ph.D. Research Assistantship – Biodiversity Responses to Streamside Management Zones Location: University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia) Description: We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student to investigate biodiversity responses to streamside management zones (SMZs) on private, working forests. The overall goal of the research is to relate various biodiversity metrics within and adjacent to SMZs using a multi-taxon approach. Sampling will focus on terrestrial (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, insect pollinators) and semi-aquatic species (e.g., amphibians) that may use SMZs along ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streams. Primary duties will focus on passive surveys (which may include point counts for birds, acoustic detectors for birds, bats, and frogs, camera traps for larger vertebrates (e.g., white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkeys, beavers, mesocarnivores, etc.), camera stations for small mammals and herptiles, blue vane and pan traps for insect pollinators, water quality sensors, eDNA), and forest structural characteristics in the field. The exact scope of work will be decided based on the successful candidate's interests and expertise. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to develop additional research questions related to forest wildlife ecology. This project is being conducted in close collaboration between Drs. Steven Castleberry and Kamal Gandhi (University of Georgia), Drs. Angela Larsen-Gray and Holly Munro (NCASI), and Drs. Daniel Greene and Daniel Hanks (Weyerhaeuser Company). Stipend is $24,040/year plus full tuition waiver for four years at the University of Georgia. Position starts January 2023 for Spring enrollment (preferred) or May 2023 for summer enrollment. Qualifications: Applicants must have an M.S. in wildlife biology or closely related field, strong academic credentials, and previous experience working with forest wildlife. Desirable skills and experience include intensive wildlife field sampling; proficiency using GPS and GIS; and knowledge of statistical modeling. Candidates must have a strong work ethic and the ability to successfully supervise field technicians. Field work will involve traveling away from campus for extended periods. How to Apply: To apply, email 1) detailed cover letter, 2) resume/CV, 3) unofficial transcripts and 4) contact information for three professional references to Dr. Steven Castleberry (scastle@uga.edu), Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the South, has >70 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology. The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has >23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities. The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/) is a "land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education". Its motto is: "to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things". The University of Georgia is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. ANGELA L. LARSEN-GRAY, Ph.D., CWB® Senior Research Scientist, Forest Wildlife Ecologist NCASI Blacksburg, VA 24060 (864) 932-5335 (cell) Pronouns: she, her, hers www.ncasi.org