Graduate Research Assistantship

in Aquatic Invasive Species Modeling and management

Start date

Preferred start date is August 2023

Location

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Advisors

Dr. Amy Kinsley (University of Minnesota; https://kinsleylab.umn.edu/)

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

Project Description

We are recruiting an MS-level graduate research assistant to work on collecting and analyzing multiple data sources describing the movement of watercraft between water bodies to reduce the potential establishment of aquatic invasive species. The student will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to describe the connectivity of individual water bodies across the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) using watercraft inspection programs, cell phone locations, and mobile app data. The student will use statistical network analyses to assess how well each data source’s movements describe observed infestation patterns.

Funding is currently available for two years to support an MS-level student position. If additional funding is available (i.e., fellowship, scholarship, grant), a PhD-level student will 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

• Collection, cleaning, and analyzing data from watercraft inspection programs, cell phone locations, and mobile app data across the UMRB.

• Meeting with collaborators and data managers.

• Application of network analysis and other statistical methods.

• Lead data analysis, visualization, manuscript preparation and publishing, and presenting/communicating results to a wide range of audiences.

• Assist with workshops for stakeholders.

• Contribute to project communications, including project status updates, reports, or press articles.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must possess (by the position start date) a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, statistics, mathematics, or a related field. Strong preference will be given to candidates who have experience with network analysis and/or working with large datasets. A strong work ethic, good communication skills, attention to detail, interest in aquatic invasive species with management implications, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently are critical. Interest or experience in quantitative modeling (using R), database management, and data visualization are required.

Salary and Benefits

Graduate research assistants receive a stipend of $26,458 annually, 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 the subject “boat movements in UMRB” including a one-page cover letter describing their qualifications and interest along with their CV to Dr. Amy Kinsley (carr0603@umn.edu). Feel free to copy Dr. Nick Phelps (phelp083@umn.edu) – but he is currently on sabbatical for Fall 2022.

Applications will be accepted through the WRS graduate program’s online application system following a 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.