PhD Assistantship - Spatial Ecology / Coastal vertebrate species response to climate change and sea level rise

We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student (PhD preferred, MS considered) to work on a project assessing the vulnerability of coastal vertebrates to climate change and sea level rise. The successful candidate will employ GIS-based models to assess which vertebrates will be most s...ensitive to changes in climate and sea level rise, and what habitat management options may exist to enhance the ability of these vertebrates to persist in the coastal region. Qualified candidates will be given flexibility to develop their own interests on this project; however s/he will focus on modeling species occupancy as a function of landscape structure and potential landscape change due to climate and sea level rise.
The research will involve field work to address species occupancy across a range of coastal landscape configurations, and will use spatial modeling tools to evaluate both vulnerability and adaptation/mitigation options.

Qualifications: The successful applicant will be motivated, have well-developed writing and communication skills, strong work ethic, and ability to work cooperatively in team setting. Experience doing field work in rough conditions is preferred. Proficiency using ArcGIS for spatial analysis, some programming experience, strong quantitative skills, and most of all… creative energy, are required! An MS in an ecological field, or substantial equivalent experience, is necessary for PhD consideration; some relevant experience outside academic programs is required for MS consideration. Minimum entry requirements are 3.0 GPA and combined verbal + quantitative GRE score > 1200 for PhD (3.0 GPA + 1000 GRE for MS).

For further information please send a CV and a letter of interest (which should include a description of past research experience and skills) to Dr. Nate Nibbelink (nate2@uga.edu). Review of applicants will begin immediately and competitive candidates will be invited to submit a full application. Our search will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Salary: Competitive stipend, tuition remission, health insurance options
Last Date to apply: January 1, 2012 for University of Georgia fellowship consideration, otherwise open until filled.

Contact: Nate Nibbelink
Warnell School of Forest Resources
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia 30602-2152
e-mail: nate2@uga.edu