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We are looking for an MSc student to participate in a project on
invertebrate herbivory in tundra ecosystems under the supervision of Dr
David Hik (University of Alberta) and Dr Isabel C Barrio (University of
Iceland).
The project will investigate the impacts of invertebrate herbivory on
arctic and alpine ecosystems. Herbivory is a dominant interaction in
tundra ecosystems, but the role of invertebrate herbivores in these
systems has not been extensively investigated, and the prevalence and
variability of the impacts of invertebrate herbivores at different
tundra sites has not been evaluated. Invertebrate herbivores are likely
to respond faster to ongoing environmental changes that are occurring at
unprecedented rates in these environments.Methods to measure
invertebrate herbivory are critical to establish monitoring programs
that allow detection of changes over time.
The student will have access to samples collected at a network of sites
using a common protocol
(http://herbivory.biology.ualberta.ca/protocol/invertebrate-herbivory-protocol/).
In addition, the student will be encouraged to develop other research
questions within the framework of this project, with the possibility of
including a field component. The outcomes of this research project will
improve our understanding of the role of invertebrate herbivory in
tundra ecosystems.
The student will work as part of an international team of researchers,
and be involved in a dynamic research network, the Herbivory Network
(http://herbivory.biology.ualberta.ca).
*Required qualifications:* requirements for MSc applicants at the
University of Alberta can be found here
(http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/programs/graduate/apply-now/apply-now/).
International students are also encouraged to apply. Candidates should
hold an undergraduate degree in biology or equivalent field.
*Funding:* the position will be funded by a combination of research
grants and by a competitive teaching assistantship. Applicants are also
expected to be competitive for applications for other scholarship and
research support. The position is for 24 months and will begin as soon
as January 2016. The student will be based at the University of Alberta
in Edmonton, and will have opportunities for international collaboration.
*Application procedure:* please send a 1-2 page letter of interest, CV,
copy of transcripts (unofficial is fine for initial application), and
contact information for 3 references, to Dr David Hik (d...@ualberta.ca
<mailto:d...@ualberta.ca>) or Dr Isabel C Barrio (icbar...@hi.is
<mailto:icbar...@hi.is>). For full consideration, application materials
must be received by Friday October 2, 2015 (deadline for applications at
UofA is October 15, 2015).
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
--
Isabel Catalán Barrio
Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences
University of Iceland
Sturlugata 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
E.mail: icbar...@gmail.com
URL: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Isabel_C_Barrio
http://herbivory.biology.ualberta.ca
