UW-Madison PhD positions: Remote sensing of ecological and ecosystem dynamics.
The Townsend Lab in the Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin is seeking candidates for two Ph.D. student positions. Both positions involve the application of remote sensing to ecology, with a particular interest in how ecosystem patterns affect insect dynamics. *Position1: Forests and insects.* Insects are the largest, yet least understood taxon on Earth. In this research, we ask how insects respond to patterns of tree composition, nutrient dynamics and environmental variation in forests. Our objective is to link measurements of forest canopy dynamics and biochemistry derived from hyperspectral and multi-temporal imagery to patterns of insect diversity and herbivory. Experience with remote sensing and an interest in forest ecology are necessary. Interest in forest-insect interactions is helpful. We understand that qualified students will likely not have background in insect ecology. However, this project is collaborative with personnel from the Entomology Department, and the student will have the opportunity to develop this background through coursework and interactions with entomologists. *Position 2: Landscape patterns and beneficial insects.* Insects cause considerable damage to agricultural and forest ecosystems. However, landscape patterns can mediate impacts of insects by providing suitable habitat for natural enemies of pests. In this research, we ask how landscape patterns affect populations of beneficial insects (predators) and pest insects in adjacent agricultural systems. The research will involve the use of remotely sensed imagery to characterize landscape composition in southern Wisconsin, and relate those patterns to measurements of insect activity by our collaborators in the Entomology Department (Drs. Claudio Gratton and Tim Meehan). We will also use ground-based (hyper)spectral data and satellite imagery to characterize biological processes and crop health within agricultural fields, and then to understand how these relate to insect/landscape patterns. This involves scaling of field-based measures to remote imagery, and will involve linkages to modeling done by Dr. Chris Kucharik, and agro-ecosystem modeler in the Agronomy Department at UW-Madison. Position 1 will likely start January 1, 2012 with the potential to start in August, 2011. Position 2 is scheduled to start in May, 2012, but has the potential to start sooner for exceptional candidates. University, Department, Lab: The University of Wisconsin –Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students. Employees include 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and remote sensing science. This project will be housed in the FERST Lab ( http://rs.forest.wisc.edu) in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology (http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/). Town: Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 300,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. For more information on campus and town see http://www.wisc.edu/about/location.php Stipend/Salary: Current annual stipend levels are $20,400 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is available for three years. Start dates are negotiable for exceptional candidates. Potential candidates with questions about the start date should contact Ms. Rodock or Dr. Townsend at the email addresses below. Qualifications: A MS degree in environmental science, ecology, geography, forestry, or other related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics is required. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. Application Process: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. Applications received before April 1, 2011 are guaranteed consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position to open to US citizens and international candidates. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock ([email protected]) (in ONE PDF file please). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to start and which position you are applying for. - Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional background - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) - GRE scores if available and TOEFL scores for international applicants if available - Reprints if available - Names and contact addresses of three references Phil Townsend, Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin 1630 Linden Drive Russell Laboratories Madison WI 53706 [email protected]
