Hi, I am accepting applications for a Master’s student to participate in a project evaluating vegetation dynamics within the sagebrush steppe in eastern Washington. The position is fully funded for two years, includes an annual stipend plus tuition and fees and involves collaboration with researchers at the University of Washington. The successful student will also work with managers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Our research aims to synthesize new and historical data to increase our understanding of how these communities respond to repeated wildfires and post-fire rehabilitation actions. The position will involve several months fieldwork in eastern Washington as well as the opportunity to develop analytical skills relevant to urgent conservation problems. The student will be expected to work closely with research collaborators to produce solid analyses and clear reports with succinct recommendations for land managers. In addition, they will produce compelling scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Whilst contributing to the overall success of our Joint Fire Science Program funded study, the student will have freedom to develop their own, relevant research questions. We particularly encourage applications from students interested in: 1. Using plant traits to model long-term ecosystem dynamics 2. Modeling changes in the landscape-scale distribution of species and communities in response to disturbance We seek a highly motivated individual with strong interests in plant community or fire ecology and strong quantitative skills. The successful applicant will be a member of The Ohio State University’s Forest Ecosystem Restoration and Ecology Lab (http://oardc.osu.edu/ferel) and the Soil and Plant Community Restoration research program (http://www.fireregimes.org.uk). Further details are available here: http://fireregimes.org.uk/OSU_sage_MS.pdf Interested individuals should feel free to contact me: Dr. G. Matt Davies Assistant Professor Soil and Plant Community Restoration School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Phone: (001) 614 292 3567 Email: davies.411 [at] osu.edu
