Graduate Assistantship: Climate Change, Water, and Biodiversity University
of Wyoming
I am recruiting a MS or PhD graduate fellow to investigate how long-term
changes in climate will impact water (distribution, abundance, quality) and
biodiversity in range systems. The effects of climate change are critically
important in semi-arid systems where water is the ultimate limiting factor.
Water availability is predicted to decrease across rangelands regardless of
precipitation due to temperature-related increases in vegetative
evapotranspiration rates. In addition, annual water supply in high elevation
systems is dependent on spring snowmelt from the mountains which may be
significantly impacted by shifts in precipitation timing. Water shortage has
negative consequences for both biodiversity and human resource use.
The selected student will use field-based and remotely-sensed data to
characterize wetlands and quantify biodiversity under alternative scenarios
of climate change. Depending on interests, the selected student may have the
opportunity to incorporate molecular methods to quantify biodiversity and
landscape connectivity (landscape genetics approaches). Prospective students
with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population genetics
are encouraged to apply. Evidence of robust analytical skills, scientific
writing, strong work ethic, passion for scientific inquiry, ability to work
under harsh field conditions and aptitude for collaborative research are
expected. To apply, please send a statement of interest, complete CV,
unofficial transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, and contact information for
three professional references as a single PDF file to melanie.mur...@uwyo.edu.
My spatial ecology and landscape genetics research group is focused on
understanding fine-scale distribution and functional connectivity of animal
species in ecological systems
(https://sites.google.com/site/murphylabuwyo/). University of Wyoming
(www.uwyo.edu) is ideally located in Laramie, Wyoming with easy access to
varied field sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the
campus is only 1 hour from Fort Collins and 2 hours from Denver, CO.
Requirements: GRE 305 (verbal + quantitative – or equivalent 1200 on old
system), GPA 3.0 (BS)/ 3.3 (MS). Students with GRE 309+ may qualify for a
fellowship enhancement. Closing date: Preference for complete applications
received by Jan. 14, 2013. Review of applicants will begin immediately.
PhD students are encouraged to apply to the innovative Program in Ecology
(www.uwyo.edu/pie), an integrated, interdepartmental PhD program in
ecological science. Position starts August 2014.
