Natural Resources Job Board

Description: 

The Byrne lab is seeking a motivated M.S. student to join the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) for a funded research project on swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) response to habitat improvements in southeast Missouri. The main focus of this project is an abundance estimation before and after restoration using spatial capture-recapture methods and non-invasive genetic identification of individuals. Swamp rabbits are bottomland forest specialists and are regarded as an indicator species for this imperiled habitat. The results of the study will determine the efficacy of forest restoration treatments and inform landscape-scale management. Field work will be conducted periodically from November-March, starting in 2025. Housing and field vehicles will be provided for field work. The student will interact with personnel from the Missouri Department of Conservation, private landowners, and project partners from Ducks Unlimited. The student will start in the fall semester of 2025 with project funding available through spring semester 2028.

 

Qualifications:

B.S. degree in Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or related field.

Ability to work independently, manage time appropriately, and be goal oriented and self-directed.

Ability to work well with others in a collaborative setting.

Excellent communication skills (written and oral).

Grit – the ability to work through challenging situations, whether it be long days in the field or a challenging data analysis problem.

Valid US driver’s license. 

Undergraduate GPA: 3.2 on a scale of 4.0 in last 60 hours.

Prior experiences with molecular techniques, forest inventory, spatial capture-recapture, and/or habitat modelling are highly preferred but not necessarily required.

 

Support:

The position provides an annual stipend ($24,400 to start) and full tuition waiver. The student is responsible for course fees. Field housing and work vehicles will be provided while in southeast Missouri. The student is responsible for their own housing in Columbia, MO. The student will be provided with office space on campus. Funding is available for the student to attend a professional conference (e.g., TWS, ASM) to present their results. Teaching opportunities will be available for interested students.

 

About the lab and school:

Research in our lab focuses on answering basic and applied questions in vertebrate ecology. We study a broad range of species, from sharks to wild turkeys to bison, with wildlife-habitat relationships, animal movement, behavioral ecology, and population dynamics being common themes across research projects. More information about the School of Natural Resources is available here: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/divisions/school-of-natural-resources/ 

 

To apply:

Please e-mail a single PDF to Dr. Michael Byrne (byrneme@missouri.edu) with the following information:

A short cover letter describing your interest in the project, career goals, and any prior experience.

Curriculum Vitae 

Contact information for 3 references

Copy of undergraduate transcript

 

Applications will be reviewed starting in May 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.