Overview: We are seeking enthusiastic and curious graduate students to join a new research project studying the causes and consequences of wildfire activity in Rocky Mountain subalpine forests over the past 2500 years. Two PhD (4-yr) and two MS (2- yr) positions are available for this highly collaborative project involving field work in subalpine forests in Montana and Colorado, analysis of lake-sediment cores, and ecosystem modeling.
Students will be based at one of four institutions: Univ. of Montana, Univ. of Idaho, Univ. of Wyoming, or Kansas State Univ. Potential research projects will focus on vegetation and fire history in the Northern Rockies, synthesizing existing paleorecords in the Southern Rockies, developing paleoclimate records, developing biogeochemical proxies from new and existing records, and ecosystem modeling. Prior experience in these topics is not required. Qualifications:  BS or BA, or MS (preferred, for PhD students) degree in ecology, biology, Earth sciences, geography, geology, or related field.  Field work experience; experience working in remote settings is an asset.  Research experience including quant. analysis; computer prog. in Matlab or R is an asset.  Strong verbal and written communication skills; publication record is an asset To apply: Interested students should contact Dr. Philip Higuera ([email protected]) for further information. Please include (1) a brief description of your research interests and relevant experience, and (2) a resume or CV that includes your undergraduate/graduate GPA and GRE scores (with percentiles). Potential advisors include Dr. Higuera, Dr. Tara Hudiburg ([email protected]), Dr. Kendra McLauchlan ([email protected]), and Dr. Bryan Shuman ([email protected]). Further steps will include applying to the graduate school at the relevant university, as soon as January 2017. Successful candidates could start in June 2017.
