We invite applications for a graduate research assistantship (GRA; Ph.
D. level
preferred; 3 years funding) from students interested in decomposition
processes in desert
ecosystems. Most of what is known about decomposition is from studies
in high rainfall areas,
but this knowledge does not translate well to dryland ecosystems.
Recent studies suggest solar
ultra-violet radiation is a major driver of decomposition in drylands;
however, other studies
indicate the level of mixing of wind/water-transported soils with
litter is a key factor. This project
seeks to resolve these competing explanations via a series of
laboratory studies and field
experiments in Arizona designed to measure light energy-soil movement-
decomposition
interactions. These linkages will be assessed in the context of woody
plant encroachment into
grasslands, a globally extensive vegetation change in drylands.
The graduate research assistant will be based at the University of
Arizona with Steve Archer
and Dave Breshears. The GRA will participate in an interdisciplinary
investigation seeking new
insights into processes affecting desert soil fertility and carbon
storage by combining the
disciplines of plant community ecology, ecosystem science and earth
science in a novel
framework. The GRA’s project will be field-oriented and will quantify
spatial patterns of litter
input and its translocation by wind and water and litter mass loss in
contrasting plant community
configurations. The GRA will work closely with collaborators at New
Mexico State University
(Heather Throop; litter chemistry), the University of Kentucky
(Rebecca McCulley; microbial
communities) and Loyola University (Paul Barnes, photobiology). For
additional details on the
project see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/project/decomposition.
Starting date negotiable, but Summer 2009 is preferred. The
assistantship includes an annual
salary of $14,677 (MS) or $15,990 (PhD); waiver of out-of-state
tuition; full remission of in-state
tuition; and health insurance. Applications will be accepted until 31
May 2009 or until suitable
candidate is found, and should include 1) a statement of interests and
goals, 2) a CV with
copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and 3) names and contact
information for 3-5 references.
For general admission requirements see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/academic/grad
.
Applications and information requests should be directed (preferably
via email) to Steve Archer
(sarc...@ag.arizona.edu), 325 Bio Sciences East, School of Natural
Resources, University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0043; 520 626-8791).
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Steve Archer
325 Biological Sciences East Bldg. #43
1311 E. 4th Street
PO Box 210043
School of Natural Resources
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721-0043
Phone: (520) 626-8791
Mobile: (520) 400-1019
FAX: (520) 621-8801
Email: sarc...@ag.arizona.edu
http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/