Clemson University · Nationwide / location varies · posted yesterday
Compensation: • $30,000 per year for 2.5 years for MS • Positions include tuition waiver and eligibility for university health benefits package • Summer field housing provided Start date: Flexible (January-May 2027) Application deadline: November 15, 2026 (or until filled) Responsibilities: I am seeking a MS student to help assess the status and guide recovery of the federally endangered Spruce Fir Moss Spider (SFMS) and its microhabitat in high elevation spruce-fir ecosystems of the southern Appalachians. Specifically, the student will leverage existing data to estimate the probability of SFMS occupancy across potentially suitable habitat units, use environmental logger data to investigate how spider microhabitats were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and design/implement surveys to assess and guide habitat restoration and recovery efforts in spruce-fir ecosystems. Responsibilities will include analyzing spider survey data collected under a long-term monitoring protocol, assisting with spider surveys in high elevation forests, deploying and maintaining environmental sensors/loggers, conducting geospatial and statistical analyses, developing databases, writing a MS proposal, thesis, and technical reports, and completing coursework pursuant to a MS degree. The selected candidate will be advised by Dr. Cathy Jachowski and will work with a wide range of collaborators from state and federal agencies, NGOs, and universities. Project Description: Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction across the southern Appalachian region in September 2024. These impacts caused long-term and potentially permanent changes to terrestrial and aquatic habitat distribution, ecosystem structure, and function. Field evaluations and monitoring are required to understand how baseline ecological conditions changed following these large-scale, geological changes in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Graduate students working on this project will be part of a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team at Clemson University with expertise across the fields of forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and fire ecology. Team members will work closely with federal, state, and non-governmental organizations to communicate findings and inform ongoing, on-the-ground restoration and recovery efforts aimed at focal species, ecosystems and important forest resources. Candidates must possess: · A bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, ecology, biology, natural resources, or an equivalent field · Competitive practical experience assisting with wildlife or ecological research · An enthusiasm and interest in developing strong quantitative skills · Ability to backpack 10+ miles over rugged terrain and work in remote settings · Willingness to travel for extended periods during the summer; Field housing will be provided, but occasional backpack camping is required · Demonstrated excellence in verbal, written, and quantitative skills · A valid US driver’s license Ideal candidates will possess some combination of the following: · Working knowledge of the Southern Appalachian Spruce-Fir ecosystem · Arthropod/spider survey experience and identification skills · Bryophyte/lichen identification skills · Technical writing experience (peer reviewed journals and scientific reports) · Proficiency in database management software (Microsoft Excel and Access) · Experience with digital map and data collection tools (ArcGIS, Survey123, FieldMaps, Avenza Maps) · Experience communicating with state and federal agencies and NGOs · Training, supervising, and coordinating field crews To apply, please email your application to Dr. Cathy Jachowski (cjachow@clemson.edu) with a subject line of “MS Application: SFMS”. To ensure full consideration, compile the components listed below into a single PDF file: 1) Cover letter describing your interest in the project and career goals 2) Current Resume/CV, including 3 academic or professional references 3) Unofficial undergraduate transcripts The GRE is not required for admission to Clemson or to work with our team, but applicants may include GRE scores if they think it will improve the attractiveness of their application. Contact Dr. Cathy Jachowski cjachow@clemson.edu (preferred contact method)
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