Estimating movement and dispersal of invasive crayfishes to inform conservation planning
Agency/location: Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri https://snr.missouri.edu/graduate-studies/
Start date: May/June 2022, but flexible based on student availability.
Responsibilities:
1. Determine movement and dispersal capacity for one or two species of invasive crayfish in Missouri Ozark streams using passive integrated transponder tags and radio telemetry
2. Predict the spread of one or two crayfish invasions using individual-based forecast models
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in natural resources or related field, strong written and verbal communication abilities, ability to work effectively in a team and with agency biologists, and a passion for conservation of aquatic species. Preferred qualifications include interest in invasion ecology and/or crayfish ecology, good organizational skills, and ability to develop strong quantitative skills. This is a field intensive project and will require sampling in a variety of physically demanding conditions and leading/coordinating hourly field technicians.
Stipend: $22,500/year plus benefits and tuition waiver. Position will be for a minimum 2 years, but likely 2.5 years, and based on annual funding allocations.
Closing date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received by March 4, 2022.
Contact: Email letter of interest, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to Jacob Westhoff, Missouri Cooperative Research Unit, University of Missouri-Columbia. 573-884-8464; westhoffj@missouri.edu;
Please see my lab website for more details: www.aquaticdiversity.com