Graduate student assistantship to study impacts of climate change on soil and ecosystem processes in grasslands.
We seek an enthusiastic, motivated graduate student to work with an interdisciplinary team studying the impacts of global climate change in grassland ecosystems while pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. The successful applicant will conduct research in the context of a DOE-funded long-term climate change experiment at the Konza Prairie Biological Station, an NSF-funded LTER site. This field-based experiment (www.konza.ksu.edu/ramps) includes simultaneous manipulations of rainfall timing and temperature in native grassland to determine how key ecosystem attributes and processes are altered by interactions between multiple climate change factors . Specific areas of research emphasis for this position include the impacts of altered precipitation timing and warming on the belowground biota (root biomass and distribution, microbial community structure and function), soil C and N storage (total and labile soil C and N pools), and ecosystem functioning (litter decomposition, soil CO2 flux, soil N availability). Additional research opportunities exist within the context of the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research program (www.konza.ksu.edu). Review of potential applicants will begin at once, and continue until the position is filled. We expect to admit one student in Fall 2007, but it may be possible to begin research this summer. Previous research experience with field and laboratory techniques related to soil and ecosystem studies is desirable, but not required. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. John Blair ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), Division of Biology, 116 Ackert Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, for more information, and to include a CV or resume in your initial correspondence. Admission into the graduate degree program at KSU will be required. _______________________________________ John M. Blair, University Distinguished Professor Division of Biology 232 Ackert Hall Kansas State University Manhattan, KS 66506-4901 Phone:(785) 532-7065 Fax: (785) 532-6653 http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~jblair/
