Join the Wildlife Disease Genetics Lab!
Ph.D. Assistantship: PFAS in wild game species
A PhD position is available at the University of Maine, starting in the Fall 2024 semester. The student will be advised by Dr. Pauline Kamath and collaborate closely with wildlife biologists and researchers at the University of Maine, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and U.S. Geological Survey Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, to examine exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in native game species, including wild turkeys, deer, waterfowl, and moose. This project will also involve examining relationships between PFAS, parasite infections, movement and space use, and fitness in these species. The contamination of wildlife by PFAS (i.e., “forever chemicals”) is a significant concern for both animal and public health, and wild game hold considerable cultural and economic value to the state of Maine.
The student will join the Wildlife Disease Genetics Laboratory and participate in the Ecology and Environmental Sciences program at the University of Maine. In addition, the student may have an opportunity to participate in the NSF-NRT One Health program. For this project, the student may conduct laboratory and fieldwork, and perform spatial and statistical data analyses. Competitive applicants will have a MSc. degree; previous research experience in wildlife biology, disease ecology, movement ecology, toxicology, and/or a related natural resources field; molecular laboratory bench experience; previous experience with GIS and the R programming language; strong quantitative and writing skills; and an ability to work both independently and in diverse teams. |
TO APPLY: Please send (1) a cover letter describing your qualifications, including relevant research experience, including field, laboratory and quantitative skills, coursework, experience working in interdisciplinary teams, as well as a description of how your interests relate to the described project; (2) a CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three references.
Combine materials into one (PDF) application file, and email it with the subject line, “PFAS in Game PhD Position,” to Pauline Kamath at [email protected].
DEADLINE: All applications received before March 29th will receive full consideration, but applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Combine materials into one (PDF) application file, and email it with the subject line, “PFAS in Game PhD Position,” to Pauline Kamath at [email protected].
DEADLINE: All applications received before March 29th will receive full consideration, but applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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