The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada - Reno (UNR)
has available a position in LANDSCAPE SIMULATION MODELING OF MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH RESPONSE TO FIRE This position is available either as a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP or a GRADUATE (PhD) RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP Preferred Start Date: January, 2007 Project Description: Little is known concerning historical fire regimes associated with mountain big sagebrush dominated landscapes of the Intermountain West. The objectives of this Joint Fire Science Program funded project are to: (1) use proximal fire-scarred trees to estimate fire frequency for mountain big sagebrush communities; (2) develop estimates of post-fire sagebrush recovery using a chronosequence approach; and (3) use these data sources to model long-term response of mountain big sagebrush to alternative fire regime scenarios. A PhD student or postdoctoral researcher is sought to focus on the third objective. This will involve development and application of simulation models to test the appropriateness of shrubland fire frequency estimates for spatiotemporal dynamics of sagebrush distribution, and assess the relative importance of spatially heterogeneous burn severity patterns for post-fire succession. Co-investigators on the project include Stanley Kitchen (Research Botanist with the USFS Shrub Sciences Laboratory), Dongwook Ko (postdoctoral research associate at UNR), and Peter Weisberg (landscape ecologist at UNR). The PhD student or postdoctoral researcher will be housed at UNR and mentored by Dr. Weisberg. There will also be opportunity to work on a related project, using remote sensing approaches to investigate rates and trajectories of post-fire succession for pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush across several central Nevada mountain ranges. The focus will be on the relative distributions of cheatgrass and native perennial species. The investigation will address spatial variation in plant succession due to abiotic factors, legacy effects associated with pre-burn tree dominance, and dispersal effects. Co-investigators on the project include Jeanne Chambers (Research Ecologist with the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station) and Dr. Weisberg. Requirements for a Postdoctoral Fellowship: Candidates are expected to have obtained their Ph.D. within the past 5 years in Ecology, Natural Resources, Geography, Landscape Ecology, Range Science/Management, Forestry, Biology, or a related field. Successful applicants will have an advanced knowledge of fire ecology, landscape ecology, and/or plant community ecology, as well as a solid background in ecological modeling and excellent quantitative skills. Prior experience with vegetation in arid/semi-arid systems is highly desirable. At least an intermediate level of proficiency with computer programming languages is assumed, as is prior experience with GIS and remote sensing. Postdoctoral Salary: $38,000 - $42,000 DOE, + health and retirement benefits Requirements for a Graduate (PhD) Research Assistantship: Applicants should have a Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Ecology, Natural Resources, Geography, Biology, Range Science/Management, Forestry), as well as interest and aptitude for dynamic landscape modeling, and strong quantitative skills. Prior experience with vegetation in arid/semi-arid systems is highly desirable. Programming skills are highly desirable, as is previous experience in GIS applications and spatial analysis. Minimum academic requirements are a GPA of 3.4 and a combined GRE score of 1200. The assistantship includes a graduate stipend of $20,000/year, pays health insurance benefits, and covers the cost of tuition. Additional information on graduate study at the University of Nevada - Reno can be found at: http://www.vpr.unr.edu/grad2/. Additional information on the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science can be found at http://www.ag.unr.edu/nres/, and on the Great Basin Landscape Ecology Lab can be found at http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg/index.htm. To Apply: Your application should include a cover letter describing research interests and experiences, a resume or CV, copies of publications (if relevant), an unofficial copy of transcripts, and contact information for three references. These materials should be sent (electronically or by mail) to: Dr. Peter Weisberg, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada-Reno, 1000 Valley Road / Mail Stop 186, Reno NV 89557. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. For more information about the project, contact: Peter Weisberg [EMAIL PROTECTED] EEO/AA. Women and under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. ******************************************************** Peter J. Weisberg, Ph.D. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno 1000 Valley Road / MS 186 Reno, NV 89512-0013 USA phone: 775-784-7573 fax: 775-784-4583 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg ********************************************************
