M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in Bat Conservation

I am seeking a highly qualified M.S. student to conduct a funded research project on roost use and availability of endangered bats in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The research project will involve intensive mist-netting and radio-tracking of Indiana and northern long-eared bats in Alabama’s Talladega National Forest over the coming spring and summer. The graduate student will need to spend long periods of time in the field and supervise several technicians. A $12,000 stipend and tuition wavier will be provided the first year. The student will be expected to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship during the second year of their degree program. The selected individual will enroll in the graduate program of the Biology Department at the University of West Georgia beginning January 2016.

Please email a PDF application containing a letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Andrew Edelman, aedelman@westga.edu
Please include “Bat GRA” as the subject line of the email. Review of applications will begin immediately. Interviews will be conducted in late October.

Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in biology, wildlife ecology, or related field with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Minimum GRE scores: Verbal 150, Math 150, Writing 3.0
Strong experience in ecological research at the undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level
Excellent quantitative, writing, and oral communication skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities
Willingness to spend extensive periods at a semi-remote location
Ability to hike across mountainous terrain under a variety of weather conditions while hauling heavy equipment
Orienteering skills
Ability to drive 4WD vehicle

Preferred Qualifications
Proficient in radio-telemetry techniques
Experienced in bat mist-netting, tagging, and identification
Current rabies vaccination
Ability to identify southeastern trees and conduct standard vegetation measurements
Basic training in GIS and statistics

—
Andrew Edelman, Assistant Professor
Biology Dept.
Univ. of West Georgia
1601 Maple St.
Carrollton, GA 30118

Email: aedelman@westga.edu, Phone: (678) 839-4042
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/andrewjedelman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Krat_guy