Ph.D. Assistantship - USA - Le plus vite possible

From:
David N. Koons, Ph.D.
Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Konrad-Zuse Str. 1
D-18057 ROSTOCK
Germany

Tel. +49 (0)381 2081 226
Fax. +49 (0)381 2081 526
E-mail: koons@demogr.mpg.de
Website: www.demogr.mpg.de

Title: Lesser Scaup Population Biology Ph.D. Assistantship

School: Utah State University

Departments: The Ecology Center in connection with the
Department of Wildland Resources http://www.usu.edu/ecology/
http://www.cnr.usu.edu/departments/departments/wild/wild

Location: Logan, UT 84322, USA

Description of research: The North American lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)
population has been declining for over 20 years, which has raised concern
amongst managers and the general public. Uncertainty about the effects of
harvest-related mortality, recruitment, and population density on lesser
scaup population dynamics make management extremely challenging. The
current harvest-management strategy assumes a particular form of
density-dependent population growth and ‘additive’ effects of harvest on
population abundance. One objective of this position will be to develop a
set of alternative population models, such that management decisions can
be based on the population model(s) that is(are) best supported by the
data. The student will have freedom in the development and examination of
relevant models. Factors that are of interest but have yet to be explored
in scaup population models that explicitly include harvest are: age
structure, ‘additive’ vs. ‘compensatory’ effects of harvest on mortality,
alternative forms of density dependence in demographic vital rates,
effects of abiotic factors (e.g., climate) on demographic processes, etc.

In addition to the general Ph.D. education, the student will be expected
to learn about waterfowl survey data, survival estimation, population
models and Bayesian statistics. Using appropriate methods, the student
will simultaneously incorporate multiple sources of data (e.g., abundance,
harvest surveys and wing collections, capture-recovery data, etc.) into
the estimation and development of alternative population models. A
complementary objective of this project will be to conduct simulation
analyses to identify information requirements to more objectively
discriminate between alternative population models. The student will
also be encouraged to develop papers related to this work that might
be of broad interest to the population, conservation, statistics, and
adaptive management communities.

Primary Funding Agency: Delta Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Station
(DWWRS: http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/research/graduate.php)

Stipend: Up to $21,000 per year (for 4 years) depending on experience
and ability to compete for a DWWRS fellowship.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a background in Wildlife,
Ecology, or Statistical disciplines. Preference will be given to
applicants who have experience conducting population biology research,
a strong quantitative background, good computing skills, and superior
academic performance. A strong interest/experience in waterfowl biology
is desired. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of the Ecology
Center (see web page listed above).

Application: Initial inquiries can by e-mailed to Dr. David N. Koons:
koons@demogr.mpg.de. To apply before 31 July 2007 please send 1) a cover
letter describing your research background and interest in the position,
2) your CV, 3) copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and 4) 3 letters
of reference via e-mail to Dr. David N. Koons. Applications after 31
July 2007 can be done via e-mail or paper applications can be sent to
Dr. David N. Koons, Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology
Center, Utah State University, 5230 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA.

Last Date to Apply: Until position is filled.
Preferred starting date is 4 January 2008.

Koons@demogr.mpg.de