A research assistantship is available to investigate effects of buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) invasion on Sonoran Desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) in and near Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona.

Start Date: Mid-August 2009.

Required Qualifications: B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field.  Strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a member of a team under challenging field conditions.  Strong interest in applied population ecology, minimum GPA of 3.2, and competitive GRE scores.

Preferred Experiences: Surveying and handling wildlife, orienteering in backcountry settings.

Support includes a stipend of approximately $15,000 per year for two years (and possibly longer), including a waiver of out-of-state tuition (but not fees).

To Apply: Submit (either by mail or email) a letter of interest, resume, copies of transcripts (unofficial is fine), GRE scores, and names and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Bob Steidl
325 Biological Sciences East
School of Natural Resources
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721

email:  steidl(AT)ag.arizona.edu
phone:  520-626-3164

Deadline for submitting materials: 21 July 2009