I am looking for a PhD student to join my new lab at Boise State University:
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) – at Boise State University. A position is available for a motivated Ph.D. student to study restoration ecology at landscape scales. While policymakers have set targets to restore native ecosystems to hundreds of millions of hectares of degraded land, restoration at landscape scales remains expensive and unpredictable. The Ph.D. student will quantify how and why restoration outcomes vary across landscapes. Potential study sites for the Ph.D. project include sagebrush steppe in the American West and tropical forests in Latin America. Projects will fall under one of three categories: 1. Theoretical models for spatial dynamics of succession in plant communities 2. Remote sensing approaches to link ecological field data to satellite imagery 3. Impact of land management practices, including farmer decision-making, on plant population and community dynamics during restoration We seek a highly collaborative candidate willing to take an interdisciplinary perspective that links biology with other fields of study, including social sciences and statistics. Some support for field work and travel will be included, however, the project’s focus will be synthesizing existing data sources. A background in quantitative approaches to ecology, such as spatial models, hierarchical Bayesian statistics, and/or programming, is preferred. However, students without formal training but with a strong interest in developing these skills will be considered as well. Previous independent research experience is required. The position will be based in Boise, Idaho, a mid-sized city with many amenities, including outdoor recreational opportunities. To apply, please send an email to Dr. Trevor Caughlin at [email protected], containing (1) a cover letter outlining your research interests, career goals, and relevant experience; (2) your CV; (3) undergraduate/graduate transcripts and GRE scores; and (4) full contact information for at least three professional references. The subject line of the email should read: “Restoration Ecology Graduate Position.” Applicants should apply as soon as possible for full consideration and no later than May 1st, 2017.
