University of Alaska Anchorage: MS Assistantships in Physiological
Ecology. Two research assistantships are available to study the
interactions between climate and vegetation in northern Alaska. The first
position will be based during the summer months at the Toolik Lake Field
Station in the northern foothills of the Brooks Range. The successful
candidate will work with collaborators from the University of Toledo,
Colorado State University, the Marine Biological Laboratory and UC Santa
Barbara on a study designed to reveal the seasonal controls on nutrient
availability in arctic tussock tundra. The student’s primary
responsibility will be to use a minirhizotron camera system to monitor
patterns and magnitudes of fine root production across a range of
experimental treatments. The Toolik Field Station is accessed via the
haulroad to Prudhoe Bay and has well-developed housing, dining and
laboratory facilities. Excellent hiking opportunities are available
within a 15-20 minute drive of camp.
The second position will be based at a remote site near the Arctic
treeline in Noatak National Preserve, northwest AK. The study sites are
approximately 20 miles ESE of Noatak and 40 miles NNE of Kotzebue, AK.
Access is via bush plane during the summer months and snowmachine during
the wintertime. The successful candidate will contribute to a study of
the seasonal patterns of canopy gas exchange and growth in all major
organs of white spruce (branch, root, etc.) in three contrasting
habitats. There are no permanent facilities at the Noatak site and
applicants should be prepared to spend long periods of time in the field
(e.g., 3 weeks) with one carefully selected field assistant between re-
supply trips to Kotzebue. Outdoor recreational opportunities (hiking,
rafting, fly fishing) are outstanding at the Noatak site.
Both students will be based in Anchorage during the off-season
(mid-September- late May). Laboratory and desk/office space is available
in the Ecosystems Laboratory on the UAA campus and affordable housing can
be found within a bike ride of campus. Anchorage is a surprisingly
diverse city with outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, including
more than 130 km of groomed Nordic ski trails within the city limits. To
apply for one or both of the positions, please send a resume and cover
letter to Dr. Paddy Sullivan ([email protected]). Applicants
interested in the Noatak position should be sure to describe the extent of
their outdoor experience in the cover letter.
