Graduate Research Assistantship Ecophysiology and Genetics of Aspen in Changing Environments
University of Wisconsin, Madison _____________________________________________________ Funding is available at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to support graduate research, at the Ph.D. level, on the ecophysiology and genetics of aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the context of environmental change. Aspen is a foundation species in boreal and montane forests of North America. Triploidy is common in parts (e.g., Intermountain West) of aspen's vast range, indicating a link between the life history and demography of aspen ploidy, and spatiotemporal variation in climate and associated environmental factors. The graduate research assistant will assume primary responsibility for a collaborative project involving the labs of Eric Kruger (UW Forest & Wildlife Ecology), Rick Lindroth (UW Entomology), Kate McCulloh (UW Botany) and Karen Mock (Utah State University, Wildland Resources). The research will entail comparisons of triploid and diploid aspen genotypes, in controlled-climate, common-garden and field experiments. Traits of interest include ecophysiology, growth capacity, and chemical ecology, and associated responses to abiotic (e.g., climate change) and biotic (e.g., herbivory) stresses. Applicants may pursue admission to UW graduate programs in Forestry, Zoology, Botany or Entomology. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a premier institution for research in ecology and evolution, and has ranked among the top five research universities in the United States for each of the past 20 years. Graduate students have the opportunity to participate in the thriving Ecology (http://ecology.wisc.edu/) and Evolutionary Biology (http://www.evolution.wisc.edu/) communities at UW-Madison. Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with a strong academic background in plant biology and/or ecology, as well as excellent quantitative and communication skills, are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team. Stipend/benefits: A 50% Graduate Research Assistantship is available beginning in spring, summer or fall semesters of 2014. A 50% RA currently provides a stipend of $20,808 (12 mo.), tuition waiver, and excellent medical/dental health plans at low cost. Applications: Interested candidates should e-mail Graduate Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock ([email protected]) a single PDF file containing the following information: - Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable) - GRE scores (if not available, indicate when exam will be taken) - Names and contact information for three references Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Promising candidates will be requested to submit a formal application to a UW-Madison graduate program in Forestry, Zoology (Ecology), Botany, or Entomology. Note that application deadlines for Zoology and Botany are Dec. 31, 2013. Questions about the position may be directed to: Eric Kruger (Forest and Wildlife Ecology); [email protected] Rick Lindroth (Zoology, Entomology); [email protected] or Kate McCulloh (Botany); [email protected] _______________________________________________ Richard L. Lindroth, Ph.D. Professor of Ecology, Associate Dean for Research, and Associate Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station 608-262-6792 (Deans office) 608-263-6277 (Lab office) 146 Agriculture Hall 1450 Linden Drive University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 53706 U.S.A. http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/lindroth/
