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Position description: The student will join an interdisciplinary group including Dr. Jen Cruz from the Quantitative Conservation Lab and Dr. Trevor Caughlin from Boise State University, and Dr. Buechley, Dr. Vargas, J. Vargas, and Dr. McClure from The Peregrine Fund to lead a project assessing how community-led conservation efforts may benefit top predators including Harpy Eagles in Darien Province, Panama. The student will have access to existing data on community-led efforts, remote sensing metrics of vegetation change, and locations of over 40 eagle nests. The student will be expected to collect additional data for a subset of Harpy Eagles. The position combines research in conservation, tropical ecology, remote sensing, movement and population ecology and will include intensive field efforts in the tropical rainforest of Panama but will be primarily based in Boise, Idaho. 

Qualifications: Seeking a self-motivated, hard-working, independent, and creative thinker who is experienced in conducting field work with raptors or other animals in tropical forests, is fluent in Spanish, has some experience analyzing relevant data and a desire to become an expert in rigorous spatial and population analysis. Minimum Qualifications: a B.S. degree in Ecology or a related field. Excellent communication skills in both Spanish and English. Applicants (including international students) who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are especially encouraged to apply. 

Support: Includes a 12-month graduate assistantship for four years (USD$28,000/year), a tuition and fee waiver, health insurance, and some research funding. 

To apply: Please email Dr. Jen Cruz at jencruz@boisestate.edu with the subject line “Panama PhD application”, a single file attachment (include your full name in the file name) that includes: (1) a cover letter that highlights research interests relevant to this position, qualifications and experience (feel free to include publications or samples of code or written work), and future career goals; (2) a CV that includes contact information for three references, and (3) unofficial transcripts. Applications are due by March 15th, 2024. Online interviews of a select pool of applicants are expected the following weeks, and the finalists will be invited to submit a formal application to Boise State’s E.E.B. Ph.D. program. Admission must be approved by the Graduate Dean. The position is part of a late-admission process, and is expected to start in August, 2024. 

The Biology Department at Boise State University: The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Ph.D. program at Boise State University offers a wide diversity of courses in ecology, geosciences, as well as human dimensions, and provides unique mentorship and training opportunities to enhance students’ understanding of ecology, evolution and behavior by a group of faculty and students committed to team-based, actionable research that draws from multiple disciplines and addresses real-world environmental challenges. The position provides access to a network of valuable connections in academia, federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as international organizations, all dedicated to providing transformative research and educational experiences suitable for diverse career opportunities. 

The Peregrine Fund: Established by falconers in 1970 to save the Peregrine Falcon from extinction, The Peregrine Fund has a proven track record of saving species on the brink and leveraging sound science to make effective conservation management decisions worldwide. Our work spans five continents, and we partner with indigenous people, governments, and NGOs to promote sustainable conservation and strategies that preserve lands and heritage for communities around the globe. We also foster local capacity to ensure conservation efforts can continue long after we leave. We have worked in Panama since 2002 to conserve Harpy Eagles and their habitats while simultaneously improving local livelihoods and developing conservation capacity. 

Boise: is the vibrant capital of the State of Idaho, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city has many opportunities for excellent outdoor activities year round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States. Learn more about the city of Boise, Idaho.