Job title: M.S. Research Assistant
Organizations: Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University; US Fish and Wildlife Service; Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Emporia, Kansas USA
Salary: $19,200 annual stipend, tuition paid, plus benefits
Start date: Spring 2021
Description:
Emporia State University is seeking applications for an M.S. Research Assistant that will investigate the effects of various wetland management practices on macroinvertebrate community dynamics. Management practices like vegetation addition and/or removal have a diversity of consequences, including effects on macroinvertebrates which serve as an important food source for waterbirds. For these reasons, understanding dynamics of wetland macroinvertebrate communities is of major importance to the development of wetland management strategies. By understanding how management practices influence macroinvertebrates across space, time, and scale, a more proactive management approach can be used to create and maintain naturally diverse food and habitat resources for waterbirds.
The successful candidate will discover principles of community dynamics, apply those principles to study effects of management techniques at multiple scales in landscapes of Kansas, U.S.A., and engage with local, state, and national agencies to put research findings into practice. This individual will compile new data on macroinvertebrate identification and community structure and learn and apply spatial and statistical analyses to detect key alterations from various management practices.
The applicant will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team that includes collaborations with US Fish and Wildlife and the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge. To this end, the student will be expected to produce timely data products for management applications. A key interest of these research partners is to improve our understanding of current wetland management on macroinvertebrates and better inform management techniques.
To apply, submit pdfs of the following documents to Dr. Erika Martin (emartin7@emporia.edu) at Emporia State University: 1) cover letter describing your qualifications and interests; 2) resume/CV; 3) academic transcripts (unofficial); and 4) contact information for three professional references.
Applications will be processed as they are received and the position will remain open until a candidate is selected no later than November 1st, 2020.
Required qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in ecology, natural resources, wildlife science, wetland ecology, or related field.
Preferred qualifications:
• GIS experience and/or coursework • Basic experience and/or coursework in statistical analysis
• Strong work ethic and motivation • Willingness to learn
• Proficiency in working individually and within teams
Contact person: Erika C Martin - Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Science, Emporia State University
Contact email: emartin7@emporia.edu