CSSS: MSc opportunities at UNBC *Three MSc/PhD student positions in forest soils-plant nutrition*
I am looking for outstanding students to fill 3 MSc/PhD positions for the following projects. 1) Project 1: Carbon cycling in agroforestry systems. We aim to understand the controls on carbon storage/sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions in agroforestry systems across different climatic regions in Alberta. 2) Project 2: Salt movement in reclaimed oil sands soils. The objectives are to minimize the risk of salt movement from saline subsoils to surface reclamation material and to evaluate the response of plants to salt intrusion into the surface soil. 3) Project 3: Performance of nutrient-loaded seedlings in oil sands reclamation. This project examines the utility of nutrient-loading in improving seedling performance at establishment in oil sands reclamation and the mechanisms involved. Extensive field work will be involved. The projects offer considerable flexibility in designing research programs that investigate areas of personal interest (to the student) within the overall framework of the projects. Students with educational background/training/experience in biogeochemistry, ecology, forestry, soil science, global change biology or other related areas are encouraged to apply. Selection of students will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills are essential. Having a valid driver’s license and a good driving record would be an asset. Salary ranges between CAN$ 20,000 – 24,000 per year plus benefits for a period of 2 (MSc) to 4 (PhD) years. It is preferable that successful candidates start their program in May 2013 or start their laboratory and fieldwork in May 2013 while applying to the graduate program at the University of Alberta for the fall of 2013. Interested candidates should e-mail their transcripts (scanned would be fine for the unofficial application), curriculum vitae, a letter describing their research experience and interests (2-page limit), recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Scott Chang, Professor, Forest Soils and Nutrient Dynamics 442 Earth Sciences Building Department of Renewable Resources University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E3 Tel: (780) 492-6375; Fax: (780) 492-1767 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/StaffProfiles/AcademicStaff/Chang.aspx
