I have 2 - 3 openings for graduate research assistants in my lab at the University of Nevada, Reno, to work on projects addressing landscape dynamics and restoration of montane and riparian systems of the Intermountain West.
PH.D. RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP: Mountain big sagebrush community response to alternative fire regimes. This position provides an opportunity to develop skills and experience in fire ecology, ecological modeling, and landscape ecology. It requires field research in some of the more scenic and scientifically interesting mountain ranges of central and western Utah, and eastern Nevada. A project focus will be on development and application of simulation models to test the appropriateness of shrubland fire frequency estimates for spatiotemporal dynamics of sagebrush distribution, and to assess the relative importance of mosaic burn severity patterns for post-fire succession. The student will have opportunity to creatively pursue broader interests and questions regarding the fire ecology and landscape dynamics of mountain big sagebrush communities. The assistantship includes a graduate stipend of $20,000/year, pays health insurance benefits, and covers the cost of tuition. Desired start date is Fall 2007 although a January 2008 start will also be considered. 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 landscape simulation modeling and strong quantitative skills. Prior experience with vegetation in arid/semi-arid systems is desirable. Skills and prior experience in programming, GIS applications and spatial analysis will be helpful. Minimum academic requirements are a GPA of 3.2 and a combined GRE score of 1200. M.S. RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP(s): I anticipate funding for 1 - 2 students to conduct ecological research in support of riparian restoration at the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, a complex of desert springs that supports the highest concentration of endemic species in the United States. Projects will take a historical ecology approach, addressing reference conditions for woody riparian vegetation composition and structure (with a focus on Fraxinus), as well as fire history. The assistantship includes a graduate stipend of $18,000/year, pays health insurance benefits, and covers the cost of tuition. Desired start date is Fall 2007 although a January 2008 start will also be considered. TO APPLY: Send a cover letter describing your background including research interests and experiences, a resume or CV, unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores, 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] Additional information on graduate study at the University of Nevada - Reno can be found at http://www.eecb.unr.edu/ and http://www.unr.edu/grad/. 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. ******************************************************** Peter J. Weisberg, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Landscape Ecology 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 ********************************************************
