M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in savanna restoration ecology
available starting January-June 2008.
Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. graduate student to work
with a large-scale oak savanna restoration experiment in central Iowa.
The student will have three areas of research: 1) analyze existing data
sets related to successional dynamics following woody encroachment removal
from savannas, 2) initiate a prescribed fire/seeding experiment within the
savanna restoration experimental sites, and 3) assess relationships
between fire, soil nutrient and moisture patterns, and vegetation response
to restoration. The student will work closely with Drs. Heidi Asbjornsen
(Iowa State University) and Lars Brudvig (Washington University in St.
Louis), as well as with researchers from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service
Northern Research Station and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The
student will also have substantial intellectual freedom to develop and
pursue her/his research interests within the overall context of the
project.
Dates: This position has two years of funding available for a Graduate
Research Assistantship at a competitive rate (including in-state tuition
status and a partial tuition waver), with possibilities to fund
exceptional candidates for additional year(s) of study. The start date
for the position is flexible, but should be sometime between January and
June 2008.
Qualifications: The M.S. candidate should have a background in plant
ecology, forestry, or a related discipline, field/research experience, and
the capability to work in challenging field conditions. Prior employment
experience with land management agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, etc.) and
skills in plant species identification and ecological data analysis are
preferred.
Degree options: Degrees can be pursued through either the Iowa State
University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
(http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/students/prospecgrad.htm) or the Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program (http://www.grad-
college.iastate.edu/EEB/). In both programs, opportunities exist for
basic and applied ecological coursework.
To apply: Applications should include a CV with cover letter,
undergraduate transcript details, GRE scores, and names and contact
information (including email addresses) for three references.
Closing date: Review of applicants will begin immediately; however, the
position will remain open until filled.
Please send application materials electronically to:
Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen
Associate Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Restoration
Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management
Iowa State University
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
