The University of Alabama A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences to work on an interdisciplinary project at Toolik Lake Arctic Research Station beginning spring of 2009. The students research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology, ecosystem physiology, or plant ecology. The project will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of winter physiological processes for two tundra ecosystems. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Florida International University and the Arctic LTER. Familiarity with applications of stable isotopes and LI-COR photosynthetic and Campbell Scientific equipments is a plus.
Rationale for this study: Northern latitudes are thought to be sequestering CO2 emitted from anthropogenic activities. However, the status of these ecosystems as a global sink of C in the future hinges upon the physiological responses of ecosystem components to changes in climate. There is overwhelming evidence for rapid climate change in the Arctic. Changes include the physical environment, changes in carbon balance, vegetation change. Furthermore, warming in the high latitudes is predicted to predominantly occur in the winter, and climate data support that prediction. However, the vast majority of research on tundra vegetation has focused on physiological processes during the short 2-3 month growing season, with only a handful of studies of physiological processes during the 9-10 month cold season. Although the rates of these processes are low, summed over the long cold season they are extremely important. A comprehensive understanding of cold-season physiological processes of tundra vegetation is critically needed given the large potential for further climate changes in the Arctic. To learn more about Toolik visit: http://www.uaf.edu/toolik. This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, travel and living accommodations during the research season at Toolik Lake. Interested students should email pdfs of 1) a current Curriculum Vita, 2) statement of research interest, 3) unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Behzad Mortazavi ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). For more information contact Dr. Behzad Mortazavi at University of Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, Al 36528; 251-861-2189.
