Position
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 2023. The position is funded for 2.5 years ($30,000/year), and supervised by Dr. Jessica Glasscock in collaboration with U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research scientists. 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. Tuition is further reduced by 50% for a graduate student awarded an assistantship.
Research Focus
The project will quantify the demographic parameters of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in relation to passive fishing pressure. The student will also assist with quantifying the trophic ecology of Alligator Snapping Turtles in aquatic food webs using stable isotope analysis.
Desired Qualifications
Individuals with research interests in population ecology, population modelling, aquatic ecology, quantitative 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, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. The candidate is expected to begin in January 2023.
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. Jessica Glasscock (Jessica.Glasscock@sfasu.edu). In the subject line of the email please include “AST Graduate Assistantship”.