Fwd: Graduate position: MontanaStateU.SwiftFoxGenomics

[Ellen Hostert]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <evo...@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca>
Date: Sat, Jul 5, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Subject: Graduate position: MontanaStateU.SwiftFoxGenomics
To: <ehos...@maine.edu>

MSc Assistantship – Genetics and Movement Ecology of Swift Fox Following
Establishment of a Translocated Population.

Department of Ecology, Montana State University

Smithsonian Institution National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department

We are seeking one Master’s student to work in collaboration with
Montana State University, Smithsonian Institution National Zoo and
Conservation Biology Institute, and Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife
Department on a research project investigating the genetics and movement
ecology of swift foxes located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation
in northern Montana. This project aims to assess genetic diversity,
gene flow, kinship, dispersal, and home ranges of a newly established
population of swift foxes reintroduced to the study site following
translocation efforts during 2020-2023. Fieldwork is expected to include
camera-based surveys to detect foxes, combined with live-trapping efforts
to collect genetic samples and deploy tracking collars. The study site
consists of a remote grassland habitat primarily occurring on lands
owned and managed by the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

The student will begin by September 1, 2025 as an intern with the
Smithsonian’s Great Plains Science Program in order to gain experience
with the study system and survey protocols from other ecologists
assisting with the project. The student will start classes on campus
at Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) in Spring 2026. The student
will be supported by a combination of internship stipends, Research
Assistantships, and Teaching Assistantships. This will include a stipend
of ~$2,000/month during the Fall 2025 internship phase and a stipend of
~$2,400/month, plus tuition, tuition fees, and health insurance once
the student is enrolled at Montana State University starting January
2026. Housing will be provided while in the field. The student will
pursue a 2-3 year MSc at Montana State University in the Department of
Ecology (https://www.montana.edu/ecology/), co-advised by Dr. Justine
Becker  (https://www.beckerecologylab.org/) and Dr. Ethan Linck
(https://elinck.org/). The student will also work in close collaboration
with Smithsonian Research Biologist/Ecologist Dr. Nucharin Songsasen and
Jesse Boulerice, as well as members of the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

Required Qualifications:
- B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field
- Average GPA of 3.0 in biology courses; 3.0 average in courses taken
  during the junior and senior years; and 2.5 average in chemistry,
  physics and mathematics courses
- A strong work ethic, drive, and motivation to succeed
- Aptitude for modelling and quantitative ecology / evolutionary biology
- Aptitude or interest in scientific programming and bioinformatics
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience in field-based wildlife research, preferably in remote
  grassland ecosystems.
- Experience in basic laboratory techniques.
- Ability to work independently and as a productive member of a
  research team

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience programming in R and conducting statistical analyses
- Background or interest in conservation, population, or evolutionary
  genetics / genomics, movement ecology, and animal behavior
- Experience working and communicating with wildlife management
  agencies, tribal organizations, and the public
- Experience trapping and handling small to medium-sized mammals
- Experience in a wet lab environment and/or with the handling and
  processing of biological samples
- Experience in leadership roles, especially associated with leading
  field crews

Start Date: September 1, 2025

Application Deadline:  July 15th 2025.

To Apply: Please send the following materials via email with “Swift
Fox MSc Assistantship” as the subject line to Justine Becker
(justine...@montana.edu) and Ethan Linck (ethan...@montana.edu):
(1) cover letter describing the applicants qualifications, career goals,
and academic interests, (2) resume/CV with contact information for ≥3
references, and (3) unofficial copies of transcripts.


Ethan Linck, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology
Montana State University
https://elinck.org/

"Linck, Ethan" <ethan...@montana.edu>

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Important!  I check email once a day, and often not at all on weekends.  I will respond to your message.  Thank you for your patience.

Ellen E. Hostert, Ph.D. (she/her)
Professor of Biology
University of Maine at Machias
116 O'Brien Avenue
Machias, ME 04654
(207) 255-1301
ehos...@maine.edu

[Ellen Hostert]