Employer: University of Rhode Island

Description: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.

Starting date is Jan 2010 (earlier employment as a research associate is
possible).

Location:

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.

Misc: 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/).

Documents: 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 AT
uri.edu).

Address:

Website: http://nrs.uri.edu/

Salary: $20,000/yr

Benefits: tuition is paid

Deadline: December 07, 2009