Position: MS Graduate Research Assistantship: Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology
Affiliation: Oklahoma State University
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Freshwater Community Ecology Lab
Location: Stillwater, OK
Salary: $18,500/yr + tuition waiver and health insurance at $20/month Start Date: 10/01/2022 (negotiable)
Last Day to Apply: 08/01/2022
Notes: Contingent on funding
Description: In collaboration with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), Dr. Lindsey Bruckerhoff is recruiting a MS student to quantify patterns of mussel and gastropod community structure and determine drivers of occupancy of species of conservation concern to inform the conservation of noninsect invertebrates in Kansas. A primary objective of this project will be to link patterns of community structure and occupancy of target species to floodplain inundation patterns. Therefore, mussel and/or gastropod identification skills and geospatial analytical experience are highly desirable. The selected candidate will also be expected to spend substantial time in east central Kansas to sample river and floodplain habitats including oxbow lakes, marshes, ponds, and backwaters during potentially extreme conditions (high summer temperatures). While in the field, the selected candidate should anticipate, and be comfortable with, having limited connectivity (i.e., internet or cellular service) and shared (potentially co-ed) living conditions. The selected candidate will be expected to work closely with biologists/managers from KDWP and to communicate regularly with private landowners. The selected candidate should be comfortable approaching and communicating with private landowners before accessing private lands.
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work as a geospatial analyst for this project during the fall of 2022. The selected candidate would then be employed as a MS-level Graduate Research Assistant from January 2023 – May 2025, while working towards a MS degree in Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University (OSU). This student will also be advised through the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (OKCFWRU), whose mission is to inform natural resource science and management through graduate education, research, and technical assistance. The MS position includes a graduate stipend of $19,000 annually, resident and non-resident tuition waiver, and health insurance at $20 per month (for student only; family coverage is available for an additional fee). Students are responsible for student fees. The Bruckerhoff Freshwater Community Ecology Lab and OKCFWRU is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity of background and thought is accepted and encouraged. We encourage all interested people to apply despite preconceived notions of their own experience as it relates to this project’s objectives. For more information about the lab and OKCFWRU, see https://freshwaterecolab.wixsite.com/my-site and https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Oklahoma .
Minimum Qualifications:
- B.S. in ecology, fisheries, natural resources, or a closely related discipline
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (as required by the Department and Graduate College)
- Highly motivated with a strong work ethic
- A valid US driver’s license (without restrictions)
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience sampling freshwater mussels, snails, and/or other aquatic macroinvertebrates
- Experience with GIS and experience or interest in quantitative approaches and computer programming (e.g., R)
- Experience leading and conducting independent research or planning/coordinating daily field surveys/activities.
- Experience interacting with private landowners for the purpose of conducting research on their lands.
- Excellent oral communication and technical writing skills.
To Apply: Please combine the following into a single PDF file: (1) a single-page cover letter; (2) a Curriculum Vitae/ Resume; (3) contact information (i.e., name, affiliation, email, and phone number) for 3 references; (4) unofficial GRE scores (if available); (5) unofficial undergraduate transcripts; and (6) a relevant writing sample. Send the PDF file as an attachment to lindsey.bruckerhoff@okstate.edu no later than 01 Aug 2022. Please note that applications may be reviewed as they are received and a candidate may be selected before the closing date.
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is within an hour of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside here, many of whom were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. They all contribute to the history and current vitality of our region. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions