PhD opportunity at the University of Virginia with Deborah Lawrence CLIMATE AND NUTRIENT CONSTRAINTS ON PRODUCTIVITY IN RAINFOREST TREES
Join an interdisciplinary team working at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica on a biocomplexity project to link the cycles of carbon, nutrients and water (CICLOS). You will be part of the tropical biogeochemistry lab in the Environmental Sciences Department of UVa. The PhD project involves synthesis of two years of data on diameter growth and phenology across an 18- plot soil fertility gradient. Monthly tree data are matched by monthly data on soil nutrient availability (P, N, and cations). High frequency meteorological data are recorded in an eddy-flux tower nearby. This is an excellent opportunity to engage in the debate on the sensitivity of tropical rainforest trees to a changing climate. The ideal candidate already has a masters degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, an excellent academic record and experience with scientific writing. Advanced undergraduates will also be considered. Necessary skills include facility with laboratory chemical analysis, statistics, and writing.
