Graduate Research Assistant For The Bat Acoustic Project (beg Fall 2026)

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 successfully work with team members, including the PI, undergraduate researchers, and external collaborators. Duties include

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
To be considered for a graduate assistantship at the University of West Georgia (UWG), students must meet the following criteria:

Be fully admitted to a graduate degree program at UWG. Please note: 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.

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