Please note that the deadline for the three graduate positions in
Forest ecology and Forest Restoration Ecology has been changed from
March 1 to April 1 2011.
Three graduate student positions (2M.Sc. and 1Ph.D.) are available for
forest ecology research investigating the impact of abiotic stresses
such as water and nutrient limitations and biotic conditions such as
inter- and intra-specific competition on tree species. The research is
part of a large project that investigates the role of early
successional tree species as reclamation species in mining areas of
the boreal mixedwood forest and parkland regions of Alberta. The
overall aim of the research is to understand underlying forest
ecosystem processes, to develop reclamation techniques, and to
determine stand trajectories to successfully regenerate surface mined
lands to self-sustaining forests by restoring ecosystem functions and
processes that are essential for the development of resilient forests.
Of particular interest are (1) growth and biomass and resource
allocation (rooting behaviour) in plants and their effect on water,
carbon, and nutrient cycling, (2) determine characteristics necessary
to improve the success of planted tree seedlings, and (3) explore the
impact of various growing conditions such as soil, water and nutrients
on forest establishment and growth.
Graduate students in this project will be under the supervision of
Simon Landhäusser, Industrial Research Chair in Forest Land
Reclamation, Alberta School of Forest Science and Management,
Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta,
(http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/). Depending on the interest and
quality of the applicants, the project offers considerable flexibility
in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal
interest within the overall framework of the project.
Background in plant biology, forest ecology or related field is
essential, as is an interest in the linkages between forests and
disturbance. Experience with any of the following will be an asset,
but is not required: soil science, ecophysiology, plant nutrition, and
silviculture. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a
necessity. Selection of a student will be based on academic
achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research
experience. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are
essential.
Application deadline: April 1, 2011 or until the positions are filled.
Salary ranges between CAN$ 19,500 - 23,500 per year plus benefits for
a period of 2 years for a M.Sc. and 3 years for a Ph.D.; extensions
are possible but will depend on student performance. Students could
also be eligible for Tri-Council graduate scholarships (e.g. NSERC) in
their first year. It is preferable that successful candidates start
their laboratory and fieldwork in May 2011 while applying to the
graduate program at the University of Alberta for the fall or winter
of 2011. The applicants must meet the entrance requirement for the
University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, which can be
viewed at: http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/phdprograms.cfm
Interested candidates should e-mail their transcript, curriculum
vitae, a letter describing their research experience and interests (2
page limit), recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and
contact information of three references to Dr. Simon Landhäusser,
Department of Renewable Resources, 4-42 Earth Science Building,
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, CANADA. Phone:
(780)-492-6381; Fax: (780)-492-1767.
Email: [email protected]
