University of Wyoming · Wyoming · posted 30 days ago
Salary: $2300 / month + tuition, fees, and insurance Start Date: 19 January 2027 Last Date to Apply: 23 October 2026 Website: https://sites.google.com/view/drrfb/home Project Title: Evaluating the likelihood of talus roost sites for monitoring western bat assemblages affected by white-nose syndrome The Bernard Research Lab is recruiting a graduate student to work on a Colorado Parks and Wildlife funded project. This is a collaborative project with Dan Neubaum (CPW), Dr. Paul Moosman (Virginia Military Institute) and Dr. Riley Bernard (University of Wyoming). The specific methods will include the following: · Hiking to remote talus fields to visually survey for bats · Hand capturing bats, collecting guano, and swabbing for fungal DNA · Collecting data related to site metrics, bat species and sex, Pd presence, etc. · Working in a variety of conditions with a suite of collaborators from academic to state and federal agencies Project Goals: Research efforts investigating the interplay between bat behavior and white-nose syndrome (WNS) in North America have been heavily restricted to the east. The progression of the disease across the great plains and into western states and lack of baseline ecological data for susceptible bat species in the west (e.g., roosting behaviors) create challenges for integrating effective conservation interventions. For instance, western states typically rely on testing bats for WNS during capture events conducted during spring (i.e., mist-netting efforts or sampling females at large maternity colonies) versus conducting surveys during winter in subterranean roosts which can target both males and females. The goal of this study is to improve understanding of roost resources, aspects of fungal invasion biology, and disease progression of WNS in Colorado. Specifically, we will focus on three WNS-susceptible species known to inhabit high elevation talus in the Rocky Mountains (> 9,000ft above sea level) which include the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus), long-legged myotis (Myotis volans), and western long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis). Each species is currently listed as ‘Tier One’ species under the 2025 Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan and are expected to see elevated mortality from WNS, with M. lucifugus experiencing declines > 90% elsewhere in its range. Our specific objectives are to: 1. Investigate how talus slopes are used during the active season by western bat populations and provide empirical insights regarding their importance as roost sites a. Data collected will provide state and federal agencies with information regarding the life history of rock-roosting bats strengthening their ability to assess conservation and management needs. 2. Investigate Pd presence in talus roosts during the active season and convey the degree to which state and federal agencies need to worry about its spread at these sites. a. Data will specifically assess potential for male bats using these sites, thus act as WNS vectors by harboring the disease over summer and infecting females during autumn swarming or at winter hibernacula. Start date: The ideal candidate will start 19 January 2027 [start of the spring semester]. The first field season will be conducted from June – August 2027, second June – August 2028 and a planned graduation in either Fall 2028 or Spring 2029. To apply: Submit a single PDF labeled as Lastname_GradApplication_Talus.pdf containing 1) a cover letter [this should include a description about your academic career thus far, why you are interested in this project/working with bats, and your career goals], 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the name and contact information of 3 references. Applications or questions about the position should be sent to Dr. Riley Bernard at rbernar5@uwyo.edu. Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until filled. Required Qualifications: · Undergraduate degree in biology, zoology, wildlife and fisheries science or related field · Comfortable working in remote, high-elevation environments, on steep and uneven terrain, requiring some physical exertion and scrambling over boulders. · Experience camping and hiking in the backcountry · Interest or experience conducting field-based research · Experience working collaboratively in teams as well as independently · A valid driver’s license for at least one year and ability to drive long distances to field sites · Ability to drive 4WD vehicles safely in difficult conditions Desired Qualifications: · Experience studying bats · Rabies vaccinated · Experience or interest in habitat management and conservation of imperiled species Statement on Diversity: Diverse research groups, including those that are diverse in knowledge, experiences and identities, increases productivity and creativity. The Bernard Research Lab is strongly committed to increasing the representation of traditionally excluded groups and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive research lab.
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