We are looking for two students who are interested in graduate studies
(M.Sc. and Ph.D.) in forest ecology research.
One area of study investigates the impact of micro-topography on early
tree seedlings performance and vegetation development in forest
restoration sites. For this research, I am seeking a motivated M.Sc.
student who is interested in applied forest research. This research is
part of a series of projects within my research group that investigate the
relationships between site conditions and early succession in reclaimed
areas of the boreal forest of Alberta. The overall aim of the research is
to understand underlying forest ecosystem and successional processes, to
develop innovative reclamation techniques, and to determine stand
trajectories to successfully regenerate surface mined lands to self-
sustaining forests by restoring ecosystem functions and processes that are
essential for the development of resilient forests.
For the second area of study, I am seeking a graduate student (M.Sc. or
Ph.D.) to conduct research on the role of non-structural carbohydrate
reserves in trees and forest ecosystem function in response to abiotic and
biotic stresses. Specifically the research focusses on the effects of
carbon reserves and their accumulation and re-mobilization in trees. This
work will also be related to interspecific physiological and morphological
adaptations and some of the work will also have direct linkages to applied
ecological research in the area of restoration ecology undertaken in my
research group.
Graduate students in this project will be under the supervision of Simon
Landhäusser, Department of Renewable Resources at the University of
Alberta, (http://landhausser.ualberta.ca/). Depending on the interest and
quality of the applicants, the project offers considerable flexibility in
designing a research program that investigates areas of personal interest
within the overall framework of the project.
Background in plant biology, forest ecology or related field is essential,
as is an interest in the linkages between forests and disturbance.
Experience with any of the following will be an asset, but is not
required: plant identification, ecophysiology, and plant nutrition.
Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. Selection of a
student will be based on academic achievements, reference letters, and if
applicable previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and
computational skills are essential.
Application deadline: January 31, 2018 or until the positions are filled.
Salary ranges between CAN$ 26,000 and 29,000 per year for a period of 2
years for a M.Sc. and 3 years for a Ph.D.; extensions are possible, but
will depend on the student performance. Canadian students could also be
eligible for Tri-Council graduate scholarships (e.g. NSERC) in their first
year. It is preferable that successful candidates start their laboratory
and fieldwork in May 2018 while applying to the graduate program at the
University of Alberta for the fall or winter of 2018. The applicants must
meet the entrance requirement for the University of Alberta, Department of
Renewable Resources, which can be viewed at:
http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/phdprograms.cfm
Interested candidates should e-mail their transcript, curriculum vitae, a
letter describing their research experience and interests (2 page limit),
recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and contact
information of three references to Dr. Simon Landhäusser
([email protected]), Department of Renewable Resources, 4-42
Earth Science Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3,
CANADA. Phone: (780)-492-6381; Fax: (780)-492-1767.
