Overview

In the Great Lakes region, martens have been serially introduced 23 times across 15 sites. Individual sites are vulnerable to extinction but regional connectivity and viability is unknown. Our research group has studied the ecology and recovery of American martens regionally for over a decade, and are now recruiting a new PhD student to join our team to leverage a large genetic and movement dataset to assess the connectivity and viability of this regional recovery network. This project will provide new information on the abundance, vital rates, connectivity, and the first viability analysis for this recovery network across the Great Lakes region to inform state, tribal and federal land management decisions to enhance the connectivity and viability of these populations.

UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology and wildlife management. The university ranks consistently among the top research universities in the United States. Total student enrollment is 43,000 of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct research. The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to live and work. For information about campus and city, please see http://www.wisc.edu/about/.

The student will be advised by Dr. Jonathan Pauli (https://pauli.russell.wisc.edu/) with a start date of 1 September 2022. The research assistantship includes an annual stipend, tuition remission and health care benefits.

Requirements

Applicants with a MS degree in ecology, wildlife biology or zoology, or other related disciplines are preferred, but we will consider exceptional applicants with a BS degree if they have relevant experience. A solid knowledge of mammalian ecology and statistics is necessary. The preferred candidate will also have previous experience with genetic datasets as well as collaborating with natural resource agencies. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills are essential.

Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is open to both US citizen and international candidates.

To apply, please fill out a short survey and upload 1) a cover letter summarizing research interests and experience, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) unofficial transcripts or summary of relevant coursework (both undergraduate and graduate) at the following site: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9mgnYlAyxFjq5M. If you experience problems while filling out the application, please email Renee Klann (rklann@wisc.edu). After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters from top candidates.