Seeking Two Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistants The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory of the University of Missouri is seeking two Ph.D. graduate research assistants (GRA) to conduct independent studies on water quality (Position 1) and urban forest carbon (C) sequestration and climate mitigation (Position 2) in a dynamic multi-land- use urbanizing watershed of the central U.S. The study takes place in the Hinkson Creek Watershed (HCW) encompassing the city of Columbia and the University of Missouri. The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory is located in the School of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry of the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri is among the top ten of the nation's universities with demonstrated excellence in teaching and research.
For Position 1, primary duties will include every-other-day water sampling, water quality analyses, and maintenance of permanent monitoring sites in the HCW. Other duties will include ordering supplies and overseeing undergraduate technicians who will assist with laboratory work. Position 2 encompasses the quantification of a) total C storage and flux above and below ground in six sites along an urbanization gradient and b) localized microclimate and energy flux variability influenced by the presence, absence, and density of tree canopies. Applicants must possess a master’s degree and have completed at least one degree in natural resources, ecology, environmental sciences, physical hydrology, water quality, or a related field. Experience in stream measurements, data processing, analysis and modeling, water quality monitoring, soil physics, GIS, and computer programming (Position 1) or a background in C biogeochemical cycling and measurement in C pools and fluxes (Position 2) are a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Successful applicants will be required to work collaboratively and independently, conduct field work under variable weather conditions, and aid in installation and maintenance of instruments and monitoring sites. Therefore, applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to lift and carry equipment and tools. If interested in applying, please forward by email the following documents: transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL scores (international students only), cover letter (including academic, research and professional goals and interests), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Jason Hubbart, Department of Forestry, University of Missouri, 203-Q ABNR Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Tel No. (573) 884-7732; Fax: (573) 882-1979; Email: [email protected]. Website: http://web.missouri.edu/~hubbartj/
