I am looking for a doctoral student with a collaborative spirit, a creative mind, and strong interest in applied ecology and natural resources management. The student will be part of the University of Arkansas Department of Biological Sciences, the Arkansas Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, and the Living Landscapes Lab.
The student will lead a 4-year project on improving early detection models for invasive plants using Bayesian modeling, mechanistic dispersal modeling, and geospatial analyses. The focal species will be cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), the ‘seventh worst weed in the world.’
The student will work with a diverse group of researchers from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, the University of Florida, the U.S. Forest Service, and Michigan State University. The student will also collaborate closely with another Ph.D. student at the University of Florida, who will focus on ecosystem service impacts (fire risk modeling, biodiversity effects) of cogongrass.
The student’s stipend will be paid via a research assistantship. The research assistantship will cover the student’s salary year-round. Tuition will be waived. In addition to the salary, the University of Arkansas also offers fellowships that can substantially increase student salary.
Start date: Fall 2023 or Spring 2024
NOTE: Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Qualifications
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills to co-produce and conduct a research project with collaborators (e.g., natural resource agencies, university faculty, etc.).
- Experience using GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ESRI, R geospatial packages).
- Proficiency in at least one statistical programming language (e.g., R, Julia, Python).
- Background in statistics, preferably Bayesian modeling and spatial analyses.
- A Master’s degree from a natural resources, biology, ecology, wildlife, fisheries, agronomy, or closely-related program.
- Commitment to publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles and present research at conferences.
- Fortitude to work in challenging field conditions (e.g., heat, humidity, cold, rain, etc.).
- Suitable grades per University of Arkansas Graduate School requirements (https://graduate-and-international.uark.edu/graduate/future-students/applying/degree-seeking.php).
- A valid US driver’s license or ability/willingness to obtain one prior to starting this position.
- Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Salary: $18,800 – $40,000
Last Date to Apply: May 01/2023
Contact Person: Caleb Roberts; Contact eMail: cr065@uark.edu