A position is available at the University of New Hampshire for a highly qualified and motivated PhD student to conduct research in the mixed hardwood-conifer forest ecosystems of New Hampshire related to ecosystem ecology, plant ecophysiology, and/or ecohydrology. Broadly, the research should address questions related to how plant species, forest ecosystems, and management practices influence water fluxes from the individual plant to the stand or watershed scale. Ideally, the research would enhance understanding of how climate change is affecting these ecohydrological processes within forested landscapes. The student would have substantial flexibility to develop the details and focus of the research once initiating her/his PhD program at UNH. Examples of possible research questions include: How do different tree species and/or forest ecosystems vary in their water use patterns in relation to management history, stand structure, and/or site conditions? What are the trade-offs between different species adaptive strategies to key environmental stresses, such as drought, flooding, temperature extremes, and nutrient deposition, and the implications for long-term shifts in species composition? How do different silvicultural practices influence plant transpiration, canopy interception, and ultimately, site water balance? What is the relationship between historical fluctuations in climate (e.g., rainfall, temperature, CO2 concentrations, N deposition), plant water use efficiency, and alterations in species composition along elevational gradients and/or under different management practices? A variety of tools will be available to the student for conducting the research, including but not limited to sap flow techniques, stable isotope analysis, throughfall measurements, nutrient analysis, and leaf- and plant-level ecophysiological assessments. There would also be the opportunity to collaborate with researchers having diverse expertise within UNHs Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Complex Systems Research Center, Stable Isotope Laboratory, and the Institute for the study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, as well as the USDA-Forest Services Northern Research Station.
Requirements: Successful applicants must have obtained a research-based M.S. degree in a discipline related to ecosystem ecology or plant ecophysiology, or equivalent experience during or after a B.S. degree. Applicants should also have a demonstrated ability to work both independently and cooperatively in both field and laboratory settings, strong organizational and interpersonal abilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Previous experience with plant water relations and/or stable isotope analysis is desirable but not required. To apply, please submit a statement of interest, full CV, copy of academic transcripts, pdfs of relevant publications, and the names and contact information of three references to the contact listed below via email. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is flexible, but should be sometime between January and August 2011. Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen Associate Professor of Ecosystem Ecology email: [email protected] Currently: Iowa State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Ames, IA As of January 2011: University of New Hampshire Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Durham, New Hampshire
