Masters Position at University of British Columbia
We are seeking a M.Sc. student to work on a project focused on the effects of urban and agricultural land use on threatened bat species in southwest British Columbia. This position will be based in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia, under the supervision of myself (Dr. Matthew Mitchell), Dr. Kai Chan (Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability), and Dr. Scott Wilson (Environment and Climate Change Canada). The project is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada and offers opportunities to collaborate with government agencies and non-government conservation organizations at regional, provincial, and national levels.
The research project will focus on understanding the landscape-scale drivers of bat abundance and diversity in the urban and agricultural landscapes of southwest BC. The project will provide information on bat habitat in the region to inform critical habitat designation. Project research may include:
Field collection of bat abundance and diversity data through the use of a network of acoustic recorders across gradients of urban and agricultural land use
Exploring the feasibility of using passive tracking systems or acoustic field surveys to identify movement and dispersal corridors for bats
Creation of new models of bat abundance and diversity across southwest BC
The successful candidate will be part of the interdisciplinary Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC’s Vancouver campus, and will have the opportunity to interact and work with scholars and students from diverse departments including the Faculty of Forestry, IRES, and Biodiversity Research Centre.
Desired qualifications Include:
B.Sc. in animal ecology, landscape ecology, conservation biology, wildlife management, or related field
Excellent academic record with evidence of research experience
Strong writing and communication skills
Field ecology experience, with bat tracking/trapping experience an added asset
Experience with GIS and landscape analysis
Familiarity with acoustic monitoring techniques and data management
We particularly encourage applications from members of marginalized or minority groups, including those based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, racialization, Indigeneity, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, or age.
The position will ideally start May 2022 at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC’s Vancouver Campus. Funding is available for 2 years.
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF attachment to [email protected] with the subject “Bat MSc 2022” and the following: (1) a 1-page cover letter stating your interests and key qualifications; (2) CV/Resume including contact information for 3 references, and (3) relevant university transcripts. Applications will begin to be reviewed on January 31, 2022 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Dr. Matthew Mitchell PhD (He, Him, His)
Research Associate
Faculty of Land & Food Systems | Centre for Sustainable Food Systems
The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus | Musqueam Unceded Territory
248-2357 Main Mall | Vancouver BC | V6T 1Z4 Canada
Phone 778 580 8222
[email protected] | @MGEMitchell
https://mgemitchell.weebly.com
