PhD Assistantship in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523. Influence of Climate Change on the Water and Carbon Budgets and Vegetation of Rocky Mountain Peatlands. A graduate research assistantship is available to analyze the short and long-term influences of climate change on fens in the Rocky Mountains of the U.S. We will analyze hydrologic, carbon and nutrient dynamics in fens located in areas with different precipitation regimes (San Juan Mountains, Colorado and Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming) and at different elevations. The student will conduct detailed hydrologic analysis of well and piezometer nests, carbon gas fluxes, plant production and decomposition dynamics, as well as long-term history of peat accumulation and vegetation composition. This project is a collaborative effort between Colorado State University (CSU) and the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. The student will be enrolled in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at CSU, and housed in the Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship. Applicants must possess a Masters degree in a suitable scientific field (hydrology, wetland ecology, or plant ecology), be physically capable of working in wilderness setting at high elevation sites (up to 3500 m elevation), and performing demanding work. Student will be provided with a monthly stipend, and tuition and field expenses are provided. Send letter of interest, CV and list of references to Dr. David J. Cooper at: david.coo...@colostate.edu
