Graduate student positions are available to participate in an NSF-funded project examining the interactions of multiple climate change forcings on vegetation community and ecosystem function in Arctic wetlands through field and laboratory research. Field work is being conducted in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska and will involve an experiment with flooding, warming, and herbivory treatments followed by measurements of vegetative community responses and CO2 and CH4 gas fluxes. Laboratory research will include experiments to further quantify these influences. The successful candidate must start no later than 1 May 2024 (preferred 1 April 2024) although earlier start can be considered, be willing to work three months in the summer 2024 in an extremely remote setting in western Alaska, and be comfortable conducting laboratory work. This work is a collaboration between faculty at South Dakota State University, the University of Colorado-Denver, and Utah State University and the MS student will interact with personnel from each location. The successful candidate will receive tuition; a 12-month stipend ($22K to $28K depending on experience); and room, board, and travel expenses during the summer field season.
Required Qualifications: (1) A BS/BA degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field by December 2023; (2) strong academic record including research experience; (3) quantitative skills including advanced Excel and introductory R; (4) proven excellent written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications: (1) Prior experience conducting field research in or living in remote settings for extended periods, (2) experience with ATVs and boating, (3) experience in plant identification, (4) experience with LiCor or other gas exchange systems.
To apply, send a single PDF with (1) resume; (2) a letter describing your interest and how you meet the required qualifications (and preferred qualifications, if applicable); and (3) contact information for three professional references to:
Karen Beard (karen.beard@usu.edu).
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
