PhD Research Assistantship
Winter Bat Activity and Habitat Relationships at UGA

Website:  https://www.warnell.uga.edu/

Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student to investigate landscape-level influences on winter bat activity and habitat relationships on managed forest lands of the southeastern Coastal Plain. The overall goal of the research is to develop widely-applicable predictive models of winter bat community assemblages and generalized habitat associations based on landscape characteristics in managed forest systems. Primary duties will include assessing bat habitat relationships and activity using acoustic sampling, mist netting, and habitat characterization in the field and using GIS. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop additional research questions related to winter bat ecology.

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) has >70 faculty working in diverse fields and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of fisheries, forestry, natural resource management, recreation and tourism, wildlife. The School has >23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities, including the 700-acre Whitehall Forest near campus. The University of Georgia is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have an M.S. in wildlife biology or closely related field, strong academic credentials, and previous experience working with bats. Desirable skills and experience include acoustic field sampling and call identification; mist netting and bat identification; proficiency using GPS and GIS; and knowledge of statistical modeling. Candidates must have a strong work ethic and the ability to successfully supervise field technicians. Field work will involve traveling away from campus for extended periods.