Graduate Research Assistant for the Bat Acoustic Project (Beg Fall 2026)

Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant for the Bat Acoustic Project (Beg Fall 2026)

Location: UWG Recruiting Location

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Job ID: 299851

Job Summary
The GRA will be responsible for conducting field surveys using ultrasonic acoustic monitoring equipment to detect bat calls (particularly northern long‑eared bats) in various forested and coastal habitats of coastal Alabama. They will work with team members, including the PI, undergraduate researchers, and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

50% – Set up and maintain acoustic equipment in remote sites, ensuring data integrity and equipment functionality.

30% – Perform data processing and analysis of acoustic data using specialized software (e.g., SonoBat) and manually vetting to identify bat species.

10% – Conduct habitat assessments and contribute to habitat mapping to support site‑level and landscape‑level analysis.

10% – Assist in the preparation and delivery of reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications related to the project.

Required Qualifications

Be fully admitted to a graduate degree program at UWG. Students admitted provisionally are not eligible for assistantship positions.

Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Be enrolled full‑time in a UWG graduate program during the assistantship period.

Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previous and current graduate coursework and remain in good academic standing.

Meet eligibility requirements for employment in the United States.

Licensed driver.

Preferred Qualifications

Enrolled in the M.S. Biology – Thesis Program.

Strong experience in ecological research at the undergraduate or post‑baccalaureate level.

Excellent quantitative, writing, and oral communication skills.

Orienteering skills including use of maps, compass, and GPS.

Excellent data management and analytic skills.

Ability to drive 4WD vehicle.

Basic training in GIS and statistics.

Familiarity with regional plant taxonomy and habitat measurement techniques.

Ability to collaborate with federal and state agency personnel.

Experience in bat acoustic sampling and call analysis.

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related scientific field.

Proposed Salary

A monthly stipend of $1,000.00 per month.

A tuition waiver, reducing your semester rate to $25 plus mandatory fees as long as you are employed in your assistantship.

Required Documents to Attach

Resume

Cover letter

UWG Graduate School acceptance letter

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Ability to hike across rough terrain under a variety of weather conditions while hauling heavy equipment.

Willingness to spend time at remote locations for ecological research.

Ability to drive.

Contact Information
Applicants should contact Dr. Andrew Edelman (aedelman@westga.edu) prior to applying.

Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG).

#J-18808-Ljbffr