PhD Graduate Assistantship in Population Ecology. Department of Ecology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana; US Geological Survey, Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.
We are seeking applicants with a strong background or interest in population ecology, preferably with an interest in benthic fishes in large rivers. The student will develop a dissertation project related to density and survival of shovelnose sturgeon, pallid sturgeon, sicklefin chub, and sturgeon chub in the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers in eastern Montana. The research will complement a research project on the food-web dynamics in the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.  Research will be conducted in the context of stocking density for endangered pallid sturgeon. The student will be based in the laboratories of Dr. Jay Rotella (www.montana.edu/rotella/) and Dr. Christopher Guy (www.montana.edu/mtcfru/Guy/cguy.htm), and will work closely with agency biologists and another PhD student focusing on food-web dynamics. Fieldwork will involve long hours, driving large vehicles and motorboats, and strenuous sampling under potentially adverse conditions. 
The student will be largely supported by a research assistantship (~$18-20,000/yr plus tuition waiver), but teaching is also likely. To learn more about the Department of Ecology and our graduate program please visit: http://www.montana.edu/ecology/.  To learn more about the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit visit:  http://www.montana.edu/mtcfru/. Applicants with a master’s degree in population ecology are highly preferred.
To apply, please send a brief letter of interest, a resume, GRE scores, GPA, and a writing example to: Dr. Christopher Guy at cguy@montana.edu. The position is available beginning in Fall of 2012, but January 2013 will be considered. Application review will begin June 1, 2012.