REU Advertisement: Stream nutrient cycling in the context of global change (Reykjavik, Iceland)
A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available at Montana State University for summer 2011 to study stream nutrient cycling in the context of global climate change with Drs. Wyatt Cross and Jim Hood. The REU student will participate in NSF-funded project Predicting Effects of Climate Warming on Stream Ecosystems Using Metabolic Theory and Icelands Unique Geothermal Environment at Montana State University and in Reykjavik, Iceland. Iceland project website: http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~wcross/Research/Iceland.html The successful candidate will join an international group of ecologists examining the influence of temperature on stream food webs and nutrient cycling. This research takes advantage of the unique geothermal environment in Iceland. Stream in Icelands Hengill region exhibit wide variation in ambient water temps due to spatial heterogeneity in geothermal activity. Our research leverages this spatial heterogeneity in stream temperatures to 1) examine the influence of temperature on food web and nutrient dynamics and 2) develop theory, grounded in ecological stoichiometry and metabolic theory, for predicting the response of stream ecosystems to climate change. The student will work as a part of our team in Iceland on collaborative fieldwork and experiments. He/She will also develop an independent project. The ideal candidate should be interested in perusing a career in ecology, hard-working, detail orientated, and dedicated to his/her work. The student will start on June 15th, 2011 in Reykjavik, Iceland. We will provide a stipend of $500/week for eight weeks, round-trip transportation to Reykjavik, and support for lodging in Reykjavik. Interested students should apply by Friday, February 25th, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students who have received their bachelors degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible. Applications should include an unofficial copy of transcripts, contact information for two academic references, CV, and a one-page statement describing your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and previous research experience. Please send applications to: Jim Hood (Postdoctoral Researcher, Cross lab, Montana State University) Email: [email protected] Questions can be addressed to Jim Hood or Wyatt Cross: 310 Lewis Hall, Ecology Dept., Montana State University email: [email protected] website: http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~wcross/Cross_website/Home.html
