The Mitchell Lab in the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources at Tarleton State University is seeking a highly motivated student seeking a M.S. in Agriculture and Natural Resources to assess the efficacy of environmental DNA monitoring techniques in detecting the presence, abundance, and host plant use of variable cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus variabilis) and American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) across their range in the state of Texas. This project is funded by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to address knowledge gaps and improve conservation efforts in determining if listing of either species if warranted at the state level. The student will be expected to conduct field work including conventional pollinator and vegetation sampling techniques as well as collection of floral resources for DNA extraction. The student will also conduct labwork developing species-specific primers and metabarcoding, as well as spatial habitat suitability models to determine areas at greatest risk of decline or conservation need. The student will also help contribute to Tarleton State University’s Insect Collection (TIC).
Qualifications: B.S. in Biology, Entomology, Natural Resources, Plant Science, Wildlife Biology, or related fields with a GPA of at least 3.0 required. Students must be self-motivated, able to work independently in adverse field conditions (esp. hot weather and stinging insects) and in remote areas. Students must have a valid driver’s license. Experience with plant and insect identification and molecular techniques preferred but not required.
Salary and Benefits: Students will receive a monthly salary of $1600 for a 2 year commitment, including health benefits as an employee of Tarleton State University and the Texas A&M University System. Out-of-state tuition costs are waived; students are responsible for costs of in-state tuition and fees and are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the university to compensate for tuition costs. Students will receive assistance through the hire of field technicians, compensation for travel and lab costs, and funding to present research at a professional conference of their choice.
Application: To apply, please email the following materials as a single PDF file to Dr. Adam Mitchell (abmitchell@tarlteon.edu)
1) A single-page cover letter describing professional goals,
2) a resume or CV,
3) copy of academic transcript (official or unofficial), and
4) contact information for three references. Please include the subject line YOURNAME_BOMBUS in your email.
The deadline to apply is April 15th with a quick turn-around for interview. For questions, contact Dr. Mitchell by email.
Adam Mitchell, Ph.D (He/Him/His)
Certified Wildlife Biologist
Assistant Professor of Entomology
Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources
Tarleton State University
Office: Autry 203B
Phone: (254)-459-5334
