The University of Missouri, in collaboration with Lincoln University, is seeking a Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) that will investigate urban forest carbon sequestration in a dynamic multi-land-use watershed of the central U.S. Even though urban areas are a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere, urban vegetation and soils are capable of sequestering substantial quantities of carbon. Urban forests may therefore play an important role in regional climate change mitigation.
The successful applicant will investigate carbon flux and storage above and below ground as a function of forest density along a wildland to urban forest gradient. The study is designed to span the range of forest stand density and soil conditions in order to identify urban forest types that maximize C sequestration. Study sites include heavily (downtown), moderately (residential area and city park) and minimal development (bottomland hardwood forest) areas. An additional hardwood forest AmeriFlux reference site is located near the study watershed. Carbon storage will be quantified by sampling and analyzing mass and C concentrations of major C pools. C fluxes will be quantified by measuring photosynthetic and respiration rates of vegetation and soil. This is a fully funded position beginning as soon as filled. Applicants must possess a master’s degree and have completed at least one degree in forest ecology (or related discipline), biology, environmental sciences, soil science, soil chemistry, biogeochemistry, or a related field. Experience in carbon cycling and measurement of carbon pools and fluxes (C/N elemental analyzer, IRGA) is a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Successful applicants will be required to work collaboratively and independently, and conduct field work under variable weather conditions. Applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to lift and carry equipment and tools. When applying, please forward by email the following documents: transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL scores (international students only), cover letter (including academic, research and professional goals and interests), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Jason Hubbart, Department of Forestry, University of Missouri, 203-Q ABNR Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Tel No. (573) 884-7732; Fax: (573) 882-1979; Email: hubba...@missouri.edu. Website: http://web.missouri.edu/~hubbartj/
