MS.c. position to study climate change effects on spatial and trait distribution of rare plants in the Midwestern US.
A graduate student position (MSc.) is available at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) in collaboration with the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) to examine the effects of climate change on the spatial distribution of rare plants in the Midwestern US. The student will be co-supervised by Drs. Matthew Albrecht (MBG), Ivan Jimenez (MBG), and Amy Zanne (UMSL) and will be supported by research funding for two years under a grant funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The project will use observed relationships between known species occurrences and current climatic conditions, as well as data on functional and life history traits, to predict species distributions under scenarios of future climate change. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with a dynamic group of ecologists, systematists, and evolutionary biologists at UMSL, Washington University, Saint Louis University, and one of the leading research botanical gardens in the world. The position is available to start in January or August, 2011. Qualifications: Candidates must have a strong academic background, work ethic, and oral and written communication skills. Experience with the R statistical environment, ESRI software and/or species distribution models are helpful but not required. A cover letter and resume or CV should be submitted to Dr. Matthew Albrecht ([email protected]). In the cover letter, provide details about your academic background (including GPA and GRE scores if available), research interests, and desire to attend graduate school. . Applicants should also apply through the Biology Graduate Program at UMSL (http://www.umsl.edu/~biology/programs/applic.html). The UMSL application will require transcripts and three letters of recommendation. You should notify Dr. Albrecht when you submit your UMSL application. Applications are due December 1, 2010.
