Graduate Research Assistantship in Restoration Ecology
School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona
We invite applications for a graduate research assistantship (GRA; Ph.
D. level preferred) from students interested in arid lands restoration
and specifically grass-shrub interactions at the critical seedling
establishment phase of the shrub life cycle. Starting date
negotiable, but January 2009 is preferred. The student will be based
in the School of Natural Resources at University of Arizona, Tucson,
but will actively collaborate with USDA/ARS CO-PIs in Las Cruces, NM
on a 4-year project aimed at improving our understanding of patterns
of woody plant encroachment into ecosystems in the Southwestern USA.
Field sites include the Sevilletta and Jornada LTER sites in New
Mexico and the Santa Rita Experimental Range in southeastern Arizona.
The overall goal of the project is to provide analytical and
conceptual tools to guide management aimed at shrub proliferation and
grassland restoration. The graduate research assistant will focus on
shrub dispersal and shrub seedling establishment questions within a
broader framework that seeks to use geospatial mapping of soils, land-
use history, climate, and shrub invasion patterns to distinguish four
basic classes of land on a regional basis: 1) shrub dominated areas
that are poor candidates for grassland restoration, 2) shrub-dominated
areas where restoration to savanna is feasible, 3) grasslands that are
at risk of invasion but are not yet invaded, and 4) grasslands/
savannas that are at low risk of shrub domination. For additional
details, go to http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/ .
The assistantship includes an annual salary of $14,677 (MS) or
$15,990 (PhD); waiver of out-of-state tuition; full remission of in-
state tuition; and health insurance. Applications will be accepted
until 1 October 2008 or until suitable candidate is found, and should
include: 1) a statement of interests and goals, 2) a CV with copies of
transcripts and GRE scores, and 3) names and contact information for
3-5 references. For general admission requirements see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/academic/grad
. Applications and information requests should be directed
(preferably via email) to Steve Archer ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), 325
Bio Sciences East, School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona,
Tucson, AZ 85721-0043; 520 626-8791).
