PhD Opportunity: Freshwater Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services School of Natural Resources and Environment University of Michigan
A Ph.D. opportunity is available for a student to join the Cardinale lab at the University of Michigan to explore how biodiversity influences goods and services in freshwater ecosystems. Current foci in the lab include (a) the influence of algal biodiversity on the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production, (b) the role of algae and invertebrates on the removal and storage of nutrient pollutants, and (c) the effects of food-web complexity and species interactions on proliferation of harmful algal blooms. PhD candidates will develop a dissertation topic that complements the broader goals of the lab to understand the causes and consequences of biodiversity change in freshwater ecosystems. A background in ecology, environmental science, limnology, or a related field is required. The Cardinale lab is located in the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) at the University of Michigan (http://www.snre.umich.edu/cardinale). SNRE is an interdisciplinary professional school that brings together ecological and social scientists, as well as engineers and landscape architects to collaborate on developing solutions to pressing environmental problems. UM was recently ranked 15th on the Times Higher Education’s list of the world’s top 200 universities, and has a top-ranked graduate program in the environmental sciences. Ann Arbor is also routinely ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. (see Money’s list of America’s Best Small Cities) due to its affordability, natural beauty, preservation of wooded areas, vibrant arts program, and lively downtown landscape. SNRE guarantees 5 years of financial support for all PhD students, which includes tuition, health insurance, and stipend. Applications should be submitted through the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School by January 5th, 2016 (http://www.rackham.umich.edu/admissions/apply_now/apply_annarbor/) Pre-inquiries can be directed to … Dr. Bradley J. Cardinale Email: [email protected] The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.
