PhD Student position on "Ecology of Carbon Cycling and Greenhouse Dynamics in Tropical Peatlands" at the School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
A PhD graduate student position is available to study the "Ecology of Carbon Cycling and Greenhouse Dynamics in Tropical Peatlands" is available at the group of Prof Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz at Arizona State University (http://cadillo.lab.asu.edu). Position will start on Fall 2015 through the "Environmental Life Sciences" (ELS) PhD program (http://els.asu.edu). A high number of tropical peatlands recently reported in the Western Amazon basin represent a major unknown in the make up of regional carbon (C) budgets, accounts of greenhouse gas fluxes and possible climate effects on C storage and decomposition in this key region of the world. As part of a collaborative NSF-funded research, this PhD position will evaluate questions on the links of primary productivity, climate-related manipulations, organic C decomposition and greenhouse gas emissions from peatland in the Western Amazon (primarily Peru). Microbial activity, molecular (microbial omics) and modeling (ecosystems and microbial) approaches will also be integrated within this research work. This research aims to provide student with a multi-disciplinary training working in an interdisciplinary research team (PIs from ASU, University of Arizona and Purdue University), and facilitate establishing international research and collaborations. Qualifications Candidates with background in ecology, forestry, field biology, and with extraordinary interest for a multidisciplinary integration with microbial ecology and soil geochemistry are highly encourage to apply for this position. A MS degree is highly desired, while applicants with a BS degree and substantial relevant experience will also be considered. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential (revise ELS program requisites about TEOFL for International applicants, and GRE for all applicants). Fieldwork will be significant with months-long expeditions in the Peruvian Amazon; hence availability for and experience with international travel and working proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese will be favorably considered. Environmental Life Sciences @ASU Environmental Life Sciences (ELS) is a novel graduate degree program that provides PhD-level training in several complementary fields focused on interactions between organisms (plant, animal or microbe) and their environment. ELS provides trans-disciplinary training that includes aspects of biology, geosciences, chemistry/biochemistry, environmental engineering, sustainability, social sciences, and mathematics. Students from non-traditional backgrounds or traditional backgrounds looking to develop mainly interdisciplinary research find this as an excellent home for their professional development. ELS, is co-lead by the School of Life Sciences (SOLS), along with five other units, at Arizona State University. With over 100 professors across most fields of biology (https://sols.asu.edu/people), SOLS is considered a leading institution in biological sciences education and research (ranked in top 25 in the world in 2011). With extensive facilities, research support and scholarship programs, SOLS is continuously adapting and developing solutions to current world problems through interdisciplinary and integrative research. See more details at https://sols.asu.edu. Application Process: Students are encouraged to prepare and submit applications to the ELS PhD program following their listed requisites (see http://els.asu.edu/apply) and keeping in mind the December 15 deadline. Importantly, while preparing application, the candidate must get in touch with Prof. Cadillo-Quiroz (hinsby(at)asu.edu) to discuss interests or questions. Position is planned to start on Fall 2015. Arizona State University is an institution committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are highly encouraged to apply.
