We are seeking to
recruit a motivated PhD student to become part of a team of researchers
examining
the relationships between fire and diversity in longleaf pine forests in the
Southern United States with a focus on quantifying diversity of trophic
interactions. The successful applicant for this position should have a
Bachelor's
or Master's degree with demonstrated experience in ecology, evolution, or
statistics. Helpful skills include: ·
Quantitative experience
(statistical models, analytical models, simulations) ·
SAS and R programming
skills·
Natural history
experience in southern pine ecosystems·
Passion for fire, insects,
plants, and diversity The student will be
supported by a paid Research Assistantship (RA) while working towards a PhD in
Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) at the University of
Nevada, Reno (UNR). Work would be
conducted with Dr. Lee Dyer at UNR and Dr. Joe O'Brien at the US Forest
Service, Georgia, as well as with collaborators across the Americas. We prefer
to fill the position this coming Spring (January 2014), but we are also open to
a starting date at the end of the Spring semester (May 2014). We can offer 4
years of competitive RA support,
followed by TA positions. The study site is
located in old growth longleaf pine sites in the Florida panhandle at Eglin Air
Force Base. Longleaf pine forests are one of the most biologically rich
terrestrial ecosystems in the world and the study sites is
located in the largest remaining intact longleaf landscape. The candidate would
be actively involved in both experimental and operational prescribed fires and
will receive wildland fire certification through the USFS. The PhD student will
live part time in Reno and part time in Florida. The University of Nevada, Reno
is located in the western Great Basin, on the east side of the Sierra Nevada
Mountains; in other words, it is one of the best places to live in the world.
Reno is a small, dynamic, and diverse city, with opportunities for excellent
dining
and community events along the scenic Truckee River that runs through
town. We find that quality of life here
is high, particularly if you are interested in outdoor activities, including
world class rock climbing, hiking, skiing, kayaking, tubing, swimming,
photography, and birding. And if you love cool big cities (and traffic), the
bay area (San Francisco) is just a few hours away by car. The study site is
located near Destin, FL and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and associated
beaches. While Florida is topographically challenged when compared to Nevada,
outdoor opportunities still abound including kayaking, sailing, SCUBA diving,
fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. To apply, please send
the following: (1) CV including names and contact info for 3 references; (2) GRE
scores and GPA from previous programs; (3) cover letter stating your interest
in pursuing a PhD and stating your ability to start in either Spring or Summer
(2014). Send materials to: ecod...@gmail.com. Relevant links:University of
Nevada,
Reno: http://www.unr.edu/Graduate Program in
EECB: http://environment.unr.edu/eecb/Dyer lab:
http://wolfweb.unr.edu/~ldyer/www.caterpillars.orgO’Brien
lab:http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/forestdisturbance/#http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/staff/819
Position will be open
until filled.
*******************************************************
Lee Dyer
Biology Dept. 0314
UNR 1664 N Virginia St
Reno, NV 89557
OR
585 Robin St
Reno, NV 89509
Email: nolaclim...@gmail.com
Web: www.caterpillars.org
phone: 504-220-9391 (cell)
775-784-1360 (office)
