University of Wyoming Graduate Scholarship in USA

The Chalfoun lab within the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, and Program in Ecology and Evolution, in partnership with the Ricketts Conservation Fund, has a vacancy for a doctoral Graduate Research Assistant for fall 2027 (or earlier). The student will be part of the Coop Unit, campus-wide doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution, and the WYOBIRD initiative (https://wyobird.org/). 

The project will focus on understanding how the demography of forest songbirds in the southern portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem differs across habitat treatments, including prescribed fire, wildfire and thinning.

The work will leverage several previous years of IMBCR survey and MAPS netting data, and entail ongoing fieldwork including bird surveys, netting and banding, nest searching and monitoring of focal species, and habitat measurements.  

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications: 
1.      B.S. or B.A. in wildlife biology, biology, ecology, or a related field 

2.      Some relevant field research experience 

3.      Undergraduate (and MS if applicable) GPA of ≥ 3.0 

4.      Commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment 

5.      Commitment to dissemination of research results via publication in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at conferences and to project partners 

6.      Strong work ethic and ability to work well independently and collaboratively 

7.      Strong interest in research, avian ecology, and wildlife conservation 

8.      Ability and willingness to communicate respectfully with project partners and other colleagues/peers 

9.      Valid Driver’s License 

10.  Ability to hike within steep and varied terrain 

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

1.   M.S. degree in wildlife biology, biology, ecology, or a related field 

2.   Strong quantitative skills and some statistical analysis experience 

3.   At least one peer-reviewed scientific publication 

4.   Experience with capture, safe handling, and banding of small birds 

5.   Strong writing skills 

Stipend: $2,418/month; plus tuition, fees, health insurance 

Please email (1) a cover letter highlighting interests and qualifications, (2) CV, and (3) names and contact information (phone and email) for three potential professional references, aggregated in a single pdf document to: Dr. Anna Chalfoun, achalfou@uwyo.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until qualified candidates are identified. Please address any questions to Dr. Anna Chalfoun at achalfou@uwyo.edu.