Subj: Fall 2011 MS Opportunities in Grassland Ecology/Restoration Ecology I am seeking highly-motivated students to join the Grassland ecology research group (at the MS level) at the University of North Dakota (UND) starting Fall 2011. Research in our laboratory focuses on investigating factors that affect grassland community dynamics with the goal of informing grassland management and tallgrass prairie restoration practices.
Opportunities exist to develop novel research projects investigating questions concerning plant species invasions in the Northern Great Plains. Potential projects may be developed around established studies (but are not limited to) on the effects of plant heterogeneity on species invasion or on effects of fungal-symbionts in grasses on native and non-native species interactions. Potential research sites include UND's Oakville Prairie, a > 900 acre remnant prairie in the Red River Valley, ND (http://www.und.edu/dept/biology/biology_facilities.htm) and other large remnant and restored prairies in Northern Minnesota and the Dakotas. Applicants will be expected to collaborate with land managers from local agencies including the Nature Conservancy, USFWS, and North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong interest in invasion ecology, plant community ecology or restoration ecology. Applicants should possess good written and verbal English skills, be capable of working independently, and have demonstrated the ability to work as part of an interactive group. Successful candidates will be invited to submit a formal application for admission to the graduate program at UND (www.und.edu/dept/biology/biology_graduate_program.htm). The position will include a full tuition waiver and health insurance and will be supported with a combination of teaching and research assistant stipends. For full consideration please e-mail a cover letter describing your interests and any relevant experience, a CV, unofficial transcripts and contact information for three references to: Dr. Kathryn Yurkonis, Dept of Biology, University of North Dakota, Stop 9019, Grand Forks, North Dakota, 58202, e-mail [email protected], phone: 701-777-4676 by MAY 15Th. -- :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Kathryn A. Yurkonis Assistant Professor University of North Dakota Department of Biology 10 Cornell St. Stop 9019 Grand Forks, NDÂ 58202 Office: 205 Starcher Lab: 206 Starcher Phone: 701.777.4676 E-mail: [email protected] ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
