Position Announcement: PhD Student for Riparian Biogeochemical Cycling Study in Central Idaho.
Announcement: I am seeking a highly motivated PhD student to participate in an interdisciplinary study on the role of salmon carcasses in soil and plant biogeochemical cycles including linkages to the aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Ocean-reared salmon have been extirpated from a vast region in central Idaho for almost 100 years due to hydro power development and irrigation. We will be reintroducing carcasses to assess their influence on ecosystem productivity. The PhD student will establish and conduct soil nutrient input and vegetation manipulation experiments, soil and plant analysis, including stable isotope analysis and gross soil nutrient fluxes. The student will primarily be responsible for the soil and vegetative component of this project, but will also be expected to collaborate with stream ecologists, fish biologists and wildlife biologists on the project. The stipend is $25,000 per year including tuition waiver. The successful candidate will be a PhD student in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho. The project includes faculty, biologists, technicians and post doctoral scientists from University of Alaska, Washington State University, Idaho State University and Idaho Fish and Game. Field Working/Living Conditions: The field sites are riparian forests along several first and second order streams in the Boise, Payette and Weiser watersheds in central Idaho. This is a beautiful landscape to work in with few mosquitoes and little summer rainfall. The candidate will be camping in remote field sites and will be expected to spend a significant part of the spring/summer months in the field. Technical Qualifications: The PhD candidate should be familiar with biogeochemistry, forest ecology and ecosystem processes associated with plant productivity and nutrient cycling. Experience working with stable isotopes is advantageous as is familiarity with nitrogen gross mineralization techniques. Good experimental and laboratory skills with evidence of ability to publish research results in refereed journals are highly desired. Applicants are required to have a masters degree in forest ecology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry or other appropriate field. Personal Qualifications: The candidate should be self-motivated, focused, able to work independently and work as part of a multidisciplinary team. You should be capable of driving to remote sites on gravel roads, hiking several kilometers and are comfortable camping in primitive areas. How to Apply: To apply for this position, please email the following to Kathleen Kavanagh; [EMAIL PROTECTED]: (1) your CV (including GRE scores and percentiles); (2) a 1-2 page description of your research interests and ideas; please also describe your technical and personal qualifications for this position; (3) contact information for three references. Inquiries are welcome. Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Starting Date: A starting date of January 2008 or earlier is ideal. However, students who can join this project in the spring or summer of 2008 are also encouraged to apply.
