[US]RA positions in Seaduck Spatial Ecology at University of Rhode Island

M.Sc. or Ph.D. - Research Assistantship in Seaduck Spatial Ecology,
Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island.

Project title: Spatial ecology of seaducks in relation to key habitats in southern New England.
A research assistantship is available at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level to study the distribution, abundance, and movement patterns of selected seaducks in offshore habitats in southern New England during the bird’s winter and staging periods. Satellite radiotelemetry will be combined with extensive boat-based and aerial-based surveys to determine (a) current distribution and movement patterns of seaducks in Rhode Island’s nearshore waters, offshore waters, and Narragansett Bay, (b) the temporal pattern of these movements in relation to key offshore habitats, (c) the route and destination of sea ducks departing Rhode Island and migrating to their breeding areas, and (d) how daily movement patterns and habitat use of seaducks affects the designation of offshore areas suitable for wind turbine placement. This study is part of a larger university-state agency collaborative effort to designate offshore areas suitable for wind turbine placement while attempting to minimize or avoid impacts to key natural resources.

Qualifications: Only hard-working, motivated, intelligent, good-natured persons interested in seaducks need apply. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in animal/wildlife biology or ecology, earned at least a 3.2 GPA, must have taken the GRE, and must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Field experience with seabird capture and handling, techniques for censusing seabirds, radiotelemetry, and GIS is highly desirable. Experience with quantitative analysis and field research is required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and undergraduates working in the field is also required.

Stipends are approx. $20,000/yr and tuition is paid.
Starting date is Jan 2010 (earlier employment as a research associate is possible).

To apply submit the following: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, a resume or CV, college transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 letters of reference by no later than 15 Oct 2009 (early application is encouraged) to: DR. SCOTT R. MCWILLIAMS & DR. PETER PATON, Dept. Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881 (PH: 401-874-7531; EM: srmcwilliams@uri.edu). See the following websites for further information about the research and training program of the Department (URL: http://nrs.uri.edu/), of the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (URL: http://www.uri.edu/cels/), and of the University of Rhode Island (URL: http://www.uri.edu/).