Ph.D. position opening (Graduate Research Assistantship):=20 =20
LANDSCAPE SIMULATION MODELING OF MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO ALTERNATIVE FIRE REGIMES =20 The Great Basin Landscape Ecology Lab (Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno) has a Ph.D. Research Assistantship available in ecological simulation modeling of mountain big sagebrush disturbance and succession, in the context of landscape restoration.=20 =20 Preferred Start Date: June, 2007 (Fall semester 2007 start also acceptable) =20 Project Description:=20 This position provides an opportunity to develop skills and experience in fire ecology, ecological modeling, and landscape ecology. It will also involve field research in some of the more scenic and scientifically interesting mountain ranges of central and western Utah, and eastern Nevada.=20 =20 The overall objectives of this Joint Fire Science Program funded project are to: (1) estimate fire frequency for mountain big sagebrush communities using fire scars from nearby trees; (2) describe rates and spatial patterns of post-fire sagebrush recovery using a chronosequence approach; and (3) use these data sources to model long-term response of mountain big sagebrush communities to alternative fire regime scenarios. A PhD student is sought to focus on the third objective. This will involve development and application of simulation models to test the appropriateness of shrubland fire frequency estimates for spatiotemporal dynamics of sagebrush distribution, and to assess the relative importance of mosaic burn severity patterns for post-fire succession. Co-investigators on the project include Stan Kitchen (Research Botanist with the USFS Shrub Sciences Laboratory) and Peter Weisberg (landscape ecologist at UNR). The PhD student will be housed at UNR and mentored by Dr. Weisberg. =20 There will also be opportunity to work on a related project, using remote sensing approaches to investigate rates and trajectories of post-fire succession for pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush across several central Nevada mountain ranges. The focus will be on the relative distribution of cheatgrass vs. native perennial bunchgrass species. The investigation will address spatial variation in plant succession due to abiotic factors, legacy effects associated with pre-burn woodland structure and composition, and dispersal effects. Co-investigators on the project include Jeanne Chambers (Research Ecologist with the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station), Erica Fleishmann (NCEAS) and Peter Weisberg. =20 Requirements: Applicants should have a Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Ecology, Natural Resources, Geography, Biology, Range Science/Management, Forestry), as well as interest and aptitude for landscape simulation modeling and strong quantitative skills. Prior experience with vegetation in arid/semi-arid systems is desirable. Programming skills are highly desirable and previous experience in GIS applications and spatial analysis will be helpful. Minimum academic requirements are a GPA of 3.3 and a combined GRE score of 1200.=20 The assistantship includes a graduate stipend of $20,000/year, pays health insurance benefits, and covers the cost of tuition. Additional information on graduate study at the University of Nevada - Reno can be found at http://www.eecb.unr.edu/ and http://www.vpr.unr.edu/grad2/. Additional information on the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science can be found at http://www.ag.unr.edu/nres/, and on the Great Basin Landscape Ecology Lab can be found at http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg/index.htm.=20 To Apply: Your application should include a cover letter describing research interests and experiences, a resume or CV, copies of publications (if relevant), an unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references. These materials should be sent (electronically or by mail) to: Dr. Peter Weisberg, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada-Reno, 1000 Valley Road / Mail Stop 186, Reno NV 89557. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. =20 =20 ******************************************************** Peter J. Weisberg Assistant Professor, Landscape Ecology Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno 1000 Valley Road / MS 186 Reno, NV 89512-0013 USA phone: 775-784-7573 fax: 775-784-4583 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg <http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg> =20 ******************************************************** =20
