Two PhD Research Assistantships in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at the University of Idaho Project Description: Despite being considered narrow specialists in sagebrush habitats, pygmy rabbits exhibit substantial variability in habitat associations across their range. Projections of potential habitat under future climate models suggested a severe reduction in distribution of suitable habitat for the species in Idaho. However, the degree to which local adaptations and behavioral or physiological plasticity might influence persistence and distribution is unknown. This research will support a team of 3 PhD students working with multiple faculty with diverse expertise. The overall goal of the research is to explore adaptive capacity in response to climate change for a small-bodied mammal of conservation concern. Specific PhD student project objectives include: Project 1) Apply genomic techniques to address questions about adaptive variation and examine physiological variation in thermal and energetic responses to the environment; Project 2) Develop and integrate physically-based surface energy and biological models of pygmy rabbit habitat and fitness under climate change; and Project 3) Model occupancy, behavior, and habitat selection to refine understanding of the current distribution, factors influencing distribution patterns, and potential future distribution under climate change (this PhD position is filled). The Doctoral Research Assistantships include a 12-month stipend, tuition, and health insurance, and are funded for 3 years, with an additional 2 semesters of Teaching Assistantship support available. Start date: Fall 2024 Location: University of Idaho, Moscow Campus. Remote work not possible. Application review will start 11 March 2024 and continue until filled. Project 1: Required qualifications: - Scientific curiosity, a positive attitude, and strong work ethic. - A master's degree in Ecology, Biology, Wildlife Science, or a related discipline and evidence of academic productivity (e.g., publications, presentations at professional meetings, contributions to research teams). - Demonstrated communication (writing and speaking) and quantitative skills. - Strong organizational skills and experience working in research teams. - Experience and/or training in genetics. - Experience in molecular techniques, genomics, and/or physiology is a plus, but not required. Project Supervisors: Drs. Janet Rachlow, Lisette Waits, Paul Hohenlohe (hohenlohe@uidaho.edu) Application: Please email a brief cover letter, CV, transcripts (unofficial are fine), GRE scores (if available), and names and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Janet Rachlow at jrachlow@uidaho.edu. Project 2: Required qualifications: - Interest in becoming a scientist who advances the understanding of integrated physical and biological processes by integrating observational data and numerical modeling. - Interest in developing practical solutions to wildlife management problems. - Experience, knowledge, and/or interest in the following areas: (1) writing R code to process data and model systems; (2) ecological challenges related to climate dynamics; (3) basic GIS skills to manipulate geospatial data; (4) theory and models of population dynamics and individual behavior, and (5) cultivation of collaborative professional relationships with researchers and managers. - Knowledge of GIS and/or stochastic dynamic programming is preferred but not required. Project Supervisors: Drs. Matt Falcy (mfalcy@uidaho.edu) and Tim Link (tlink@uidaho.edu) Application: Merge the bulleted items below into a single PDF and email to tlink@uidaho.edu and mfalcy@uidaho.edu by March 11, 2024 using the subject line Pygmy Rabbit Opportunity: - Cover letter describing (i) qualifications (ii) a specific research question that you might be interested in pursuing within the general project described above, and (iii) a statement of work ethic/philosophy that you intend to implement in this position to achieve your longer-term goals. Do not exceed three pages. - CV/resume that includes contact information for three professional references. - Photocopy of GRE general test scores, if available. - Unofficial or official transcripts of all coursework. Paul Hohenlohe Professor, Biological Sciences Director, BCB Graduate Program University of Idaho http://hohenlohelab.github.io "Hohenlohe, Paul (hohenlohe@uidaho.edu)" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)