Four graduate research assistantships will be available starting in January 2007 (Ph. D level preferred). Students will work on projects examining the linkages between spatial patterning and ecosystem processes at the Jornada Basin LTER site (<http://jornada-www.nmsu.edu/>http://jornada-www.nmsu.edu) in southern New Mexico. The linkages may involve vegetation/soils, human/natural systems, and biodiversity/ecosystem functions. Students will define an independent thesis project related to these topics and collaborate with a team of LTER researchers and with other LTER-associated graduate students. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in landscape ecology, desert ecology, transdisciplinary collaboration, the interface of human and natural systems, and the Long-Term Ecological Research Program.
The positions are based at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces (Biology, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics departments). Las Cruces (population 80,000) is located in the Rio Grande valley, adjacent to several Chihuahuan Desert basins and within sight of seven desert- to forest-dominated mountain ranges. These unpopulated settings provide unparalleled science and recreation opportunities in the rapidly urbanizing western U.S. The city and region have a strong cultural identity of Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American origins. New Mexico State University and the USDA Jornada Experimental Range offer an expanding array of transdisciplinary research and education opportunities. The Jornada LTER group features true collaboration among social scientists, organismal and community ecologists, rangeland and ecosystem scientists, land managers, soil and climate scientists, and physical scientists from several universities in the U.S. and United Kingdom. The Jornada Basin has been studied for over 125 years and is among the oldest and most influential research areas in the U.S. With its disciplinary breadth, integration, and strong links to local and national policymaking, NMSU/Jornada is a leader in the application of basic ecology and ecosystem science. Applications will be accepted until 31 October 2006. Applicants should include 1) a statement of goals, 2) a CV with copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and 3) names and contact information for 3-5 recommenders. Applications and information requests should be directed to Debra Peters (<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]), Jornada Basin LTER, MSC 3JER, Box 30003, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003.
