Applications are solicited for a PhD position in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta. The student will be co-supervised by Drs. Uwe Hacke and Andreas Hamann and will study climate change-related forest dieback in North America. There will be collaboration with a research group in Germany, which studies this topic in European forests.
Drought is one of the major forces shaping forest ecosystems. As temperature and precipitation patterns change, forests may be at increasing risk of climate-related dieback. Drought-induced forest dieback is an emerging topic with global significance. Water transport in trees depends on maintaining water in a metastable state and is therefore continuously challenged by environmental stress. One of the main challenges that trees face during drought is therefore to keep their ‘plumbing system’ functioning. The successful candidate will study changes in climate and associated changes in forest cover. The student will be able to develop skills in modeling and will conduct physiological measurements. The student will spend several months with the collaborating team in Munich as part of the program. Funding: Salary CAN$ 25,000 per year for 2 years and $30,000 for 1 year; this being the year in which the student completes his or her 6 months stay in Munich. Funding for a 4th year is dependent on academic progress. Candidates interested in plant physiology, ecology, forestry and/or climate change are encouraged to apply. Selection of students will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research experience. A MSc degree (or equivalent) is required. Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills are essential. The applicant must meet the entrance requirement for the University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources (http://www.rr.ualberta.ca/GraduateProgram/ApplyingandAdmission.aspx). Anticipated start date: May or July 2014. Interested candidates should e-mail their transcripts (scanned would be fine for the unofficial application), CV, 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. Uwe Hacke (uwe.hacke (at) ualberta.ca) and Dr. Andreas Hamann (andreas.hamann (at) alberta.ca).
