GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP

IN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES FORECASTING AND CITIZEN SCIENCE

Start date

Preferred start date is August 2023

Location

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Advisors

Dr. Alex Bajcz (UMN; https://maisrc.umn.edu/alex-bajcz)

Dr. Nick Phelps (University of Minnesota; http://z.umn.edu/phelpslab)

Project Description

We are recruiting an MS research assistant (to start August 2023) to continue development of Zebra Mussel Safari, a large-scale citizen science program, and to model zebra mussel occupancy, suitability, and dispersal dynamics within and across Minnesota lakes. The student will work on a team to evaluate how best to collect, analyze, and leverage high-volume citizen science data to inform zebra mussel management, monitoring, and/or forecasting. The project will expand upon work conducted by staff and volunteers within the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and will include exploring how to build and engage a large volunteer network. Initial work will include meeting with program staff and volunteers; analyzing methods used and data collected during a 2022 pilot initiative; and investigating how to use the data to model zebra mussel occupancy vs. suitability at small spatial scales. Results should bolster management of zebra mussel populations, forecasting of outbreaks, and future suitability models. The project will also require outreach activities, including training sessions with volunteers and meetings with state and local stakeholders, in which the student would play a lead role.

Two years of funding is currently available to support an MS-level student. If additional funding is available (i.e., fellowship, scholarship, grant), a PhD-level student would be considered. Candidates with diverse backgrounds or from underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply and may be eligible for additional support (i.e., https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pOFiAn-KPzAE99OhjkLOxP1RczV4cIlE/view).

Responsibilities

• Collate, organize, and analyze data from state, tribal, and local stakeholders as well as a large citizen science initiative.

• Meet regularly with team members and volunteers.

• Develop a modeling framework to leverage the program’s novel, high-volume data set.

• Lead data visualization, manuscript publication, and communication of results to a wide range of audiences.

• Assist with workshops, meetings, and training sessions.

• Contribute to report writing and budget management.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must possess (by the position start date) a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, conservation science, limnology, environmental science, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience and interest in citizen science, quantitative ecology, and analysis of large datasets and image-based data. Self-motivation and -direction, good communication skills, attention to detail, interest in invasive species forecasting and management, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential. Interest or experience in quantitative modeling (using R) is required.

Salary and Benefits

Graduate research assistants receive a stipend of $26,458 annually as well as tuition remission and health benefits. More information on benefits can be found here: https://shb.umn.edu/health-plans/gahp-home

To Apply

Interested candidates should send an email with subject “Zebra Mussel citizen science in MN,” including a one-page cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position along with their CV, to Dr. Alex Bajcz (bajcz003@umn.edu). Feel free to copy Dr. Nick Phelps (phelp083@umn.edu), but he is currently on sabbatical until February 2023.

Applications will be accepted through the Conservation Science graduate program’s online application system following preliminary review of candidates. Formal applications to the graduate program are due December 1st and more information can be found here: https://wrs.umn.edu/prospective-students