The Spatial Community Ecology Laboratory at Utah State University (http://www.spatialcommunityecology.com/) is seeking MSc applicants to undertake research in the field of freshwater community ecology. The position is part of a project funded by Utah State to identify climate corridors for wildlife across the state. The central goal of the project is increase the resilience of future on-the-ground management actions by informing management agencies about climate refuges. The project will predominantly utilize existing datasets in direct conjunction with state agencies, however the successful student will also be encouraged to conduct their own research within the sphere of conservation planning. The project will start in August of 2024, and the successful applicant will be based in Logan UT.

The successful candidate will have access to office spaces, computing facilities, lab space if they require, and Utah State University’s nearby outdoor Aquatic Research Facility that houses 90 mesocosms and experimental ponds. The research group also has strong ties to global conservation programs such as the United Nations Environmental Program. Experience/knowledge of GIS techniques will be looked upon favorably. Candidates interested in pursuing field projects should be reasonably physically fit, and be able to carry a 40lb backpack 1 mile. 
Utah State University (http://www.usu.edu) is a Research I (Extensive Doctoral) land-grant institution with a student body of over 24,000, 42 departments, 8 academic colleges, a school of Graduate Studies, and diverse research programs. The main campus is located in Logan, a community of 100,000 people. Logan is 85 miles north of Salt Lake City in scenic Cache Valley, a semi-rural mountain basin with nearby ski resorts, lakes, rivers, and mountains providing many recreational opportunities. The area has a low cost of living and provides a high quality of life.  For more information on Logan see http://www.tourcachevalley.com.

This is a fully funded position for the  years, however candidates will be encouraged to source additional funds to run their own projects. Starting salaries are $23,000 for a MSc. In addition, successful candidates will have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants to supplement their starting salaries.
Please contact Edd Hammill (edd.hammill@usu.edu, 435 265 5964) for more information or to submit application materials (CV, cover letter, any publications, details of their research interests). Initial review of applications will begin May 1st 2024. As the funding has been secured through an external award made to the research team, the position is open to international students..
More info: https://www.spatialcommunityecology.com/