Institution: Clemson University, South Carolina. Type of position: Two graduate research assistantship (MS/PhD) Start date: Fall 2009 / Spring 2010 Salary: $18,000-24,000 per year. Ecophysiology of resource foraging in invasive plant species. Two graduate research assistantships (PhD/MS) are available (Fall 2009/Spring 2010) to conduct research on physiological ecology of invasive species. The work is primarily focused on understanding the mechanisms of resource foraging in plant species invading resource-limited habitats. Along with the macroscopic observations (litter decomposition and nutrient cycling), the project focuses on specific mechanisms that drive these processes, including the influence of litter chemistry and the associated microbial compositional shifts. The highlight of the project is to understand the physiology of root exudation and the role of exudates in facilitating nutrient acquisition in resource-limited environments. Students will have ample opportunity to creatively pursue their own hypothesis-driven research projects within these broader themes. Interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches are strongly encouraged. The candidates seeking the position should have a good plant-biology/- ecology background. Details about the salary and research facilities are available at http://people.clemson.edu/~ntharay/. To further inquire about the position and for project details e-mail Dr. Nishanth Tharayil ([email protected]).
