M.S. Position Available to Study Fire, Larch Trees, and C Dynamics in Siberia
I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on fire, larch tree recruitment, and carbon dynamics in far northeastern Siberia. Research will include measurements of larch recruitment on experimental burn plots and across natural burn gradients, quantification of changes in permafrost characteristics following fire, and estimation of carbon pools in stands with varying fire histories. See the following blog posts from the last summers field season in Siberia for more details: http://www.thepolarisproject.org/from-flames-to-forests/. The position will begin in spring 2013 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be able to travel internationally and be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Masters program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the students responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander ([email protected]) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
