The University of Missouri, in collaboration with Lincoln University in Missouri, is seeking a Ph.D. graduate research assistant (GRA) to conduct independent research investigating urban forest carbon sequestration in a dynamic multi-land-use urbanizing watershed of the central U.S. The study is part of a large ongoing project in the Hinkson Creek experimental watershed encompassing the city of Columbia and the University of Missouri.
Even though urban areas are a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere, urban vegetation and soils are capable of sequestering substantial quantities of carbon. The successful applicant will study carbon storage and flux above and below ground as a function of urban tree canopy density in sites along an urbanization gradient. This urbanization gradient aims at spanning the maximal range of forest stand and canopy density and soil conditions in order to identify urban forest types that maximize C sequestration. Study sites include heavily (downtown) to moderately (residential area and city park) to minimally (bottomland hardwood forest) urbanized areas of Columbia, including a site recently converted from agricultural use to biomass (willow/cottonwood) production. A hardwood forest reference site outside the city limit is located 25 km south of Columbia. Carbon storage will be quantified by sampling and analyzing mass and C concentrations of major C pools. C fluxes will be quantified by measuring photosynthetic and respiration rates of vegetation and soil respiration. This is a four year position beginning immediately or when filled. Applicants must possess a master’s degree and have completed at least one degree in biology, environmental sciences, forest ecology, or a related field. Experience in carbon biogeochemical cycling and measurement of carbon pools and fluxes (C/N elemental analyzer, IRGA) is a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are mandatory. 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. Applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to lift and carry equipment and tools. When 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/
