We invite applications for the following THREE PhD research positions
in riparian ecology, fluvial geomorphology, and hydraulics for an
NSF-funded project: "Quantifying feedbacks between fluvial
morphodynamics and pioneer riparian vegetation in sand-bed rivers"
Riparian vegetation communities and river geomorphology co-evolve in
many systems. Feedbacks vary spatially and temporally but are expected
to be especially strong when vegetation is newly established: small
enough to be vulnerable to scour and burial but large enough to
redistribute flow and sediment transport within channels and on bars.
This project will couple laboratory experiments, field investigations,
and numerical modeling of vegetation, flow, and sediment interactions to
develop a mechanistic and predictive understanding of feedbacks at
nested spatial scales ranging from individual plants to channel
reaches. We will concentrate on measuring and modeling the effect of
vegetation on flow and sediment transport around individual plants and
the reciprocal effect of flow on plant removal via scour and burial in
arid sand-bed rivers, with the goal of improving management of river
systems.
We seek three Ph.D. students to form an integrated interdisciplinary
team across our three institutions. Please see more information about
each position below.
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and
Forestry (SUNY ESF) Dept. of Forest and Natural Resources Management.
Seeking Ph.D. student starting in Spring or Summer 2011 working with Dr.
John Stella to conduct riparian plant ecology studies in complementary
field and flume settings. Field studies in the southwestern US will
document woody plant responses to flooding disturbance in concert with
geomorphology collaborators. Flume experiments at the St. Anthony Falls
Laboratory, University of Minnesota, will investigate mechanistic
processes of plant mortality in concert with engineering collaborators.
Ideal candidates will have an MS in ecology, environmental science, or a
related field; a strong quantitative and statistical background; the
ability to work in remote field settings; and interest in feedbacks
between vegetation and fluvial physical processes. The position is
funded for a minimum of two years and provides a competitive stipend,
tuition and benefits. Interested candidates (inquiries welcome) should
send a CV or resume (with GPA and GRE scores), a letter describing
research interests and experience, and names and contact information for
3 references to ste...@esf.edu (also see
http://www.esf.edu/fnrm/faculty/stella.htm).
University of Montana (UMT) Dept. of Geosciences: Ph.D. student in
fluvial geomorphology sought to plan, implement, and interpret field and
numerical modeling elements of project, working with Dr. Andrew Wilcox
and starting in Spring or Summer 2011. Field studies will be completed
in the southwestern US and will include data collection on hydraulics,
sediment transport, topography, and, in concert with ecology
collaborators, riparian vegetation. Modeling will entail simulations of
flow and sediment transport that integrate vegetation feedbacks to
address management scenarios. Ideal candidates will have a BS/MS in
earth sciences, engineering, or a related field; a strong quantitative
and computational background; the ability to work in remote field
settings; and interest in riparian ecology. The student will be funded
as a Research Assistant (minimum two years) and Teaching Assistant,
including stipend, tuition and benefits. Interested candidates should
send a CV or resume (with GPA and GRE scores), a letter describing
research interests and experience, and names and contact information for
3 references to andrew.wil...@umontana.edu (also see
http://www.umt.edu/geosciences/faculty/wilcox/index.htm).
University of New Hampshire (UNH) Department of Earth Sciences or
Department of Civil Engineering: Seeking Ph.D. student starting in
Spring or Summer 2011 to plan, oversee , and interpret hydraulic and
sediment transport aspects of flume experiments at UNH and in the
Outdoor StreamLab at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory at the University
of Minnesota. Basic qualifications include a BS degree in engineering,
earth sciences, physics, or mathematics; a strong quantitative
background; and the ability to work without supervision in both field
and lab settings. Desired qualifications include an MS degree in
environmental engineering, hydrology, or geomorphology; a background in
environmental fluid mechanics, open channel hydraulics, or sediment
transport; and experience with hydraulic measurements. The position is
funded for a minimum of two years and provides a competitive stipend,
tuition and benefits. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Anne
Lightbody, anne.lightb...@unh.edu (also see
http://www.unh.edu/esci/people/lightbody-a.html). Application deadlines
are December 1 for Spring 2011 and April 1 for Summer 2011.
