Plant-herbivore interactions, trophic mismatch, and climate change Applications are being solicited for a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biology at Penn State University, to begin fall 2008. The student will conduct research under the direction of Dr. Eric Post as part of a long-term project on the influences of climate change on plant-herbivore interactions in a low-Arctic community in West Greenland. A major focus of this research will include investigating the role of recent warming in the development of trophic mismatch between the timing of offspring production by an herbivore, caribou, and plant phenology. Additionally, the contribution of trophic mismatch to herbivore population dynamics will be modeled. There is considerable room for expansion of the research beyond these themes under the PIs general research on ecological consequences of climate change (see www.bio.psu.edu/people/faculty/post/homepage.htm).
The project requires a combination of experience with, and interest in, remote field work, as well as strong quantitative and analytical skills. The student will be supported in part by a three-year NSF grant that includes a full-time research assistantship during one semester each year, and field and travel expenses. Contact Dr. Eric Post for further details or with questions. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
