Graduate Student Position for Research on Calcareous Fens: I'm looking for a graduate student (M.S. or Ph.D.) to work on a project to map and characterize plant species composition and the physical conditions of calcareous fen habitats in eastern South Dakota. If funded, the project will cover two summers (2011 and 2012) and one semester of RA support, plus other research expenses and travel. During other semesters, the student will be supported on a Teaching Assistantship, which also includes a partial tuition waiver. Some semesters of fellowship support may be possible for a Ph.D. student.
The ideal candidate will have expertise or experience in the sampling and identification of Midwestern wetland flora, particularly of some of the rare and unique species located in fen habitats. In addition, some experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems, interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photos, and familiarity with Midwestern landscapes and physical geography (e.g., glacial geology) would be a bonus. The project will require a balance of GIS work with extensive time in the field for site reconnaissance and vegetation sampling. The student would be enrolled in the graduate program of the Department of Biology at the University of South Dakota, in Vermillion, SD (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/index.cfm), in the lab of Dr. Mark Dixon (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/dixon.cfm). Preferred starting date is Fall 2010 (August 15), although earlier or later starts may be possible. Interested students should contact me directly ([email protected]) and apply to the graduate program in Biology at the University of South Dakota (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/graduate.cfm), preferably by February 15, 2010 (although later applicants may also be considered). Mark D. Dixon Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 Phone: (605) 677-6567 Fax: (605) 677-6557 Email: [email protected]
