Stephen F. Austin State University

I am recruiting a highly motivated applicant interested in earning either an MS or a PhD to work on amphibian ecology at desert waters in the lab of Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (Dept of Natural Resources Mgt) and co-advised by Dr. Nancy McIntyre (Dept of Biological Sciences).

Prospective students will be funded by Teaching Assistantship (3 years for M.S. students, 5 years for Ph.D. students (18K)) and are eligible to apply for additional fellowships and scholarships.

This is part of a larger cross-institutional project focused on Sonoran desert tinaja ecology across gradients of temperature and precipitation. Specific research questions are flexible.

Skills that will be acquired:*

• Acoustic data collection and analysis
• Indices of biotic diversity
• Statistics (Program R)
• Scientific communication and publication
• Desert field skills

This position requires hard work, problem solving, attention to detail, and a tolerance for desert heat. This is a physically demanding job which requires packing in to remote sites, driving a 4WD safely on unmaintained roads, and coordinating with military security. Because of the remoteness of the sites and the extreme environment field work may require working odd hours and extended hours, Applicants should expect to encounter venomous snakes and invertebrates and large carnivores. Experience in rock climbing or scrambling is helpful but not required.

We encourage applications from everyone. Texas Tech University is one of four major state supported universities in Texas and is designated as a National Research University by the State of Texas and as a Hispanic-Serving Institution from the U.S. Department of Education. Texas Tech University requires a background check of all new employees.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Griffis-Kyle (kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu) and have “Graduate opportunity” in the subject line. Please include in the email:

How this position will help you fulfill your career goals and why you are a good fit Resume or CV including pertinent work experience, volunteer activities, and contact information Unofficial transcripts GRE scores (not required, but encouraged) Contact information for three references For additional information:

Department of Natural Resources Management: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/nrm/ Dr. Griffis-Kyle: http://myweb.ttu.edu/kerrgrif/default.html

Requirements

This work will in part be conducted on military lands, so applicants must be US citizens and be able to pass a military background check. Applicants must have completed a BSc (if applying for an MS) or MS (if applying for a PhD) in a related field. Preference will be given to motivated candidates with excellent writing skills, an interest in amphibian ecology, and proven ability to work safely in desert environments. There may be international travel to Mexico.