I am sending this ad along on behalf of my colleague, Yvonne
Vadeboncoeur. Please direct inquiries to her at
<[email protected]>.
*
Graduate student opportunity: Ecosystem ecology of the littoral zone of
Lake Tanganyika*
We are seeking a Ph.D. student to join an NSF-funded project on the
effects of grazing fish on attached algal productivity and littoral
nutrient cycling. The research will be conducted in Lake Tanganyika
(Tanzania) and at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, USA. The
project is directed by Dr. Yvonne Vadeboncoeur (Wright State University)
and Dr. Pete McIntyre (University of Michigan). The student will be
enrolled in the Environmental Sciences Ph.D. program at Wright State
University working in Dr. Vadeboncoeur’s lab. The successful applicant
will be expected to excel in a rigorous, interdisciplinary (Ecology,
Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics) Ph.D. curriculum. In addition to
contributing to the overall goals of the project, the student should
develop an independent line of research on the theme of
grazer-producer-nutrient interactions based on laboratory and/or field
experimentation.
The project focuses on the role diverse grazing fishes in sustaining
(and potentially enhancing) benthic primary production. Focal mechanisms
include invigorating biofilms through cropping, hastening nutrient
recycling rates, enhancing nitrogen-fixation rates, and long-term
retention of nutrients delivered by upwelling. We hypothesize that these
diverse pathways contribute to making the littoral zone of Lake
Tanganyika one of the world’s most productive freshwater environments.
We will use a combination of field surveys, field experiments, and
laboratory experiments to separate the roles of each mechanism to
explore long-term dynamics and ecosystem sensitivity. The broader
context for the research is the growing fishing pressure on littoral
fishes and suppression of upwelling by global warming, which may act
separately or synergistically to undercut primary and secondary
productivity of this globally-important ecosystem.
The successful applicant will be supported by a 3-year research
assistantship, plus a teaching-assistantship (at least 1-year), pending
acceptable progress. Additional support may be available through
teaching assistantships. The student will live in Dayton, Ohio for most
of the year, but spend up to 12 weeks per year in the field in Tanzania.
Costs of travel and subsistence in Tanzania will be covered by the grant.
Application requirements include: Bachelors degree in Biology, Ecology,
Environmental Sciences or related field. Strong swimming ability; SCUBA
certification at the time the candidate joins the project or immediately
thereafter; a valid passport; GRE scores within the last 5 y; minimum
IBT TOEFL score of 100/120 and ability to pass a verbal English test
(foreign students only).
Preferred qualifications include: Masters degree or equivalent
experience; a strong background in nutrient chemistry and stable isotope
methods; experience in field and laboratory research; experience driving
boats; speaking ability in Kiswahili (French also helpful).
See http://www.wright.edu/academics/envsci/index.html for further
information on the Environmental Sciences Ph.D. program at Wright State
University, including program requirements, application procedures and
stipends. Please contact Dr. Vadeboncoeur for more information before
applying ([email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>).
--
***********************************
Don Cipollini, Ph.D.
Professor- Plant Physiology/Chemical Ecology
Interim Director- Environmental Sciences PhD Program
Department of Biological Sciences
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, Ohio 45435-0001
(937) 775-3805
FAX (937) 775-3320
email: [email protected]
Lab Page: http://www.wright.edu/~don.cipollini
Env Sci PhD Program: http://www.wright.edu/academics/envsci/
