PhD Research Studentships: The Beltran Lab at the University of California Santa Cruz is inviting applications for 1-2 PhD studentships to research demography and at-sea movement ecology of long-lived vertebrates, with a focus on elephant seals. These positions will commence in Fall 2024, with each student receiving three years of funding (stipend + tuition) and potential additional funding through fellowships and Teaching Assistantships. The research offers various areas of exploration, including life history trade-offs, environmental impacts on fitness, maternal effects, and individual movement patterns. Candidates will gain training in wildlife monitoring, drone operation, and analytical techniques, as well as mentorship opportunities for undergraduate students.
Designation: PhD Research Students
Research Area: Demography, At-sea Movement Ecology, Long-lived Vertebrates, Elephant Seals
Location: University of California Santa Cruz, California, USA
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology, ecology, statistics, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of wildlife and marine ecology.
- Proficiency in verbal and written communication.
- Analytical expertise, including spatial analyses of animal location data.
- Mammal handling experience (desired).
- Master’s degree and/or first-author publication (encouraged).
- Ability to work long hours in the field, including outside traditional working hours.
Job Description:
PhD Research Studentships in Demography and Movement Ecology of Long-lived Vertebrates
The selected PhD students will conduct research on the demography and at-sea movement ecology of long-lived vertebrates, primarily focusing on elephant seals at Año Nuevo Reserve. The research will involve analyzing demographic and biologging data, and students will have the opportunity to shape their dissertation chapters based on their interests. The candidates will collaborate closely within the Beltran Lab and engage with a diverse research community studying large marine vertebrates. The lab emphasizes values of enthusiasm, communication, and collective excellence, and is committed to equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. Candidates are encouraged to participate in efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and education.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are required to complete a Google Form application, which includes the submission of the following materials:
- A cover letter highlighting research motivations, career goals, and specific research interests.
- A curriculum vitae or resume detailing academic and professional experience.
- A writing sample (e.g., technical report, academic paper, research project).
- Copies of unofficial transcripts or a list of completed courses, along with undergraduate GPA (GRE scores not required).
- Names and email addresses of 3 references.
Last Date for Apply: 01 November 2023. The selected candidates will be invited to apply through the official UCSC Admissions process by December 10, 2023.
Disclaimer: This job post is based on information from a reliable source. For the most accurate and current information, please refer to the official website or contact Roxanne Beltran (roxanne@ucsc.edu) for inquiries.
