The graduate student selected will conduct research designed to determine the insect pollinators of both native and nonnative grasses in southern Texas. Project goals include quantifying pollinator networks (alpha diversity, composition, connectivity) associated with native and nonnative grasses commercially available in working lands.
The successful candidate will pursue a M.S. degree in Range and Wildlife Management with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Dept. of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Additional duties include publication of research results; presentations at professional conferences; assisting with other graduate projects; occasional help teaching classes or labs; and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: B.S. in entomology, range ecology or closely related field. Strong work ethic, excellent verbal and written communication, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a team, ability to identify pollinator insects in the South Texas region, and the ability and willingness to work under adverse field conditions (extreme heat and humidity, ticks, mosquitoes, snakes, etc.) are essential. Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and competitive GRE scores.
Preferred: Background in pollinator and plant identification, GIS/GPS skills, experience surveying insects and grasses, basic field ecology.
Stipend/Salary: $1,600/month plus benefits (medical package has a 60-day waiting period). Nonresident tuition is waived (resident tuition fees apply).
Application Deadline: Will begin reviewing applications upon receipt and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
To Apply: Send or email a cover letter stating interests and career goals, resume/CV, copies of transcripts (originals will be required if selected), GRE scores, and 3 letters of reference to: Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas A&M-Kingsville 700 University Blvd, MSC 218 Kingsville, Texas 78363 Phone: 361/593-4546 sandra.rideout-hanzak@tamuk.edu
Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) enrolls approximately 6,000 students. The Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences grants B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute is a research unit of the university with 15 scientists, 50+ graduate students, and numerous support staff. TAMUK is located in Kingsville, TX, a city of approximately 26,000 in coastal south Texas. Kingsville is surrounded by the historic King Ranch and is about 40 miles south of Corpus Christi, TX (population 175,000+).
Texas law requires that males 18 through 25 show proof of compliance with Federal Selective Service law in order to be eligible for employment.