MS Assistantship - Soil Modification as a Restoration Tool to Reduce Old World Bluestems - Department of Ecology, Montana State University,
Background: Nonnative Old World bluestem grasses (e.g., Bothriochloa, Dichanthium spp.) have become established and increasingly dominant throughout the southern and central Great Plains regions of the United States. Dominance by Old World bluestems can affect soil nutrients, as well as plant growth and the competitive relationships among plant species. Such altered competitive dynamics result in changes in vegetation composition, followed by subsequent changes in abundance and composition of insects, small mammals, and birds. Description: The successful candidate will develop a research project to explore to whether modification of soil properties can serve to restore the vegetation and insect communities to that observed in areas dominated by native plants. Specific objectives involve quantifying changes in vegetation structure and composition as well as insect abundance and composition in treated areas compared to untreated controls and reference sites. The student will pursue a M.S. degree in the Department of Ecology at Montana State University (http://www.montana.edu/ecology) and be a Welder Wildlife Foundation Fellow; the field work will take place at the Welder Wildlife Refuge in Sinton, Texas (http://www.welderwildlife.org/). Qualifications Required: B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, ability to work under adverse field conditions (hot and humid South Texas environment) are essential. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and 1100 combined GRE score. Preferred Qualifications: Background or interest in community and population ecology, restoration ecology, entomology. Experience identifying insects to order and family and some experience with plant identification are preferred. Stipend/Salary: The student will be supported by a Welder Wildlife Foundation Fellowship - a stipend of $1,400/month, $900/year for insurance, and nonresident tuition waived for 1 year (resident tuition fees apply); subsequent years of support are pending availability of funding. Field housing will be provided. Start Date: May/June 2011 Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications on 28 March 2011 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To Apply: Send a cover letter stating research interests related to this topic, career goals, resume/cv, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Andrea Litt, Email: [email protected] (electronic applications preferred). Andrea R. Litt Department of Ecology Montana State University P.O. Box 173460 Bozeman, MT 59717-3460 Tel: (406) 994-2332 Fax: (406) 994-3190 Web: www.montana.edu/litt Location: 303 Lewis Hall
