*PhD student* in *Remote Sensing of Ecosystem Functioning* *in Bioenergy Landscapes *
The Townsend lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks a motivated Ph.D. student interested in (a) the use of remote sensing to quantify plant vigor and growth across mixed-use landscapes in Wisconsin, and (b) linking remote sensing data with plant physiology. The position is part of a multi-investigator project examining the effects of landscape structure on the provisioning of natural pest suppression by beneficial arthropods and the production of soybeans, an important biofuel crop. We will use our findings to develop tools for ecosystem modeling and forecasting large-scale impacts of landscape change on pest pressure and crop yields. For this position, we are in search of a student with a strong background in plant biology or ecology who is also interested in using remote sensing technologies to quantify physiological aspects of plant growth, especially as they relate to variations in climate and herbivore pressure. The research will involve the linkage of field measurements of crop photosynthesis and physiological status to remote sensing and ecosystem models, in addition to development of methods to map landscape pattern from remote sensing data as it relates to pest pressure on biofuels crop production. The student will matriculate in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Questions about the position should be directed to Professor Phil Townsend, [email protected]. Position is available starting on or after January 1, 2013. The position is a standard 50% time research assistantship, with a stipend (currently $20,400/year), tuition remission, and access to health benefits. *Application Process:* Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. Prospective students wishing to matriculate for the Winter/Spring Semester, 2013 should provide application materials (described below) by November 1, 2012. The application deadline for students interested in a June, 2013 start is December 15, 2012. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the following documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock ([email protected]) (in ONE PDF file please). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to start. *Required Documents:* -The “Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate Application Cover Sheet” which can be found at: http://www.fwe.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/fwe_cover_sheet_townsend.doc - A well-crafted cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) - GRE scores if available (TOEFL if applicable) - Names and contact addresses of three references
