Ph.D. Assistantship: Wetland Biodiversity & Climate Sensitivity — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship is available at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to help understand the resiliency of wetland biodiversity (including plants, insects, and herpetofauna) to climate change in the Midwestern United States. The main task is to estimate species' climate sensitivity using occurrence records, climate data layers, trait data, and other available information. These scores can enable conservation status updates, biodiversity resiliency mapping, and novel wetland bioassessments across the region, and may trigger deeper research on select species.
The position is funded for 3 years through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5. The selected applicant is expected to apply in Fall 2024 for the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (PEEC) in the School of Integrative Biology. This position will be supervised under the Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute in collaboration with the Midwest Landscape Initiative. The work will intersect with active related research supported by the USGS Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Requires an M.S. in biological sciences, environmental sciences, or natural resources field; strong analytical and computational skills; ability to work independently; and competitive GPA. Preferred candidates will be proficient using GIS and web-based applications, possess strong writing skills (w/ evidence of successful publications), and have interest/experience in wetlands, climate science, botany, entomology, and herpetology.
The current monthly stipend is $2,930.00 plus tuition waiver. Preferred start is January 16, 2025 but starting Summer or Fall will also be considered. The position is contingent on being accepted into PEEC (application deadline December 1, 2024).
To be considered for this position, please email no later than September 30, 2024 a cover letter that explains your interest and qualifications, a C.V. including 3 references, and transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) to Dr. Jason Bried, bried@illinois.edu