Undergraduate summer research position in ecology
The research group of Jonathan Levine at UC Santa Barbara has a summer research experience for undergraduate (REU) position focused on the maintenance of species diversity in annual plant communities. The REU student will explore the coexistence of annual plants living in serpentine soils. He or she will set up experiments and use mathematical techniques to examine the influence of community size and demographic stochasticity on the coexistence of competitors. Students interested in working with statistical models of plant community dynamics will have the opportunity to visit the University of Washington, and work with Dr. Janneke HilleRisLambers, a collaborator on the project. This project is ideal for an REU student because the student will gain experience with ecology at the interface of theory and experimentation and will have the opportunity to explore independent ideas within the scope of a larger ongoing study. In addition, the REU will spend considerable time helping out on the broader NSF project. The position is 10-12 weeks and pays a $5500 stipend, though the start and end date are flexible. The REU will be responsible for their living accommodations. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume (with GPA), and contact information for two references to Dr. Ben Gilbert at [email protected] by May 26th, 2010. Dr. Gilbert is also the contact person for any questions about the position. The student must be returning to school in the fall to be eligible.
