A Master’s-level Graduate Research Assistantship in plant ecology is available immediately in the School of Natural Resource Sciences at North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND), advised by Devan McGranahan, Assistant Professor of Range Science. The student will have the opportunity to study perennial grass disturbance ecology under manipulated environmental conditions (drought stress and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration) in the greenhouse and a growth chamber. Foci will include comparing responses to fire and grazing across native and exotic species, determining how these responses vary under predicted climate change scenarios, and using and developing methods to measure functional trait responses. A central research question will address how fungal endophyte infection of an exotic forage species, tall fescue, modulates this species’ response to disturbance and climate change. The student will apply and develop methods to maintain endophyte-infected and endophyte-free populations in an experimental setting. Opportunities for field components are also available.
Requirements: Completed Bachelor’s degree in a related field of natural science, with plant biology, physiology, or ecology preferred. Applicants will demonstrate evidence of independence, reliability, and creativity in prior work, school, or research experience. Well-developed writing skills are required. At a minimum, basic knowledge of data handling and analysis is required. Desirable qualifications: Because work will be technology-heavy, with data collection via several handheld sensors, environmental control of greenhouse and growth chamber, and additional applications such as Campbell Scientific and Decagon dataloggers and Arduino micro-controllers, applicants must at least be enthusiastic about learning and applying these tools; demonstrated evidence of their use, or relevant programming experience, is highly preferred. Scholastic and research experience with plant biology or physiology is highly preferred. Familiarity with data management and analytical software is preferred; experience with the R statistical environment is preferred and students lacking a functional knowledge of an alternative (SAS, Matlab, etc) will be expected to receive mentorship in R. The Graduate Research Assistant will be compensated with a full stipend and full tuition waiver. Professional development is a key objective of the NDSU Range Science Program, and the student will receive mentorship in all areas of scientific practice. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Devan McGranahan via email ( devan.mcgrana...@ndsu.edu) and are requested to include a brief statement of interest and CV/resume in the initial message. Selected applicants will be invited to interview via phone and provide e-mail and telephone information for 2-3 references, unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary schooling, and GRE scores, if available. Only after telephone interviews will an official application to the University be required. This position is available immediately, and will remain open until filled, with preference given to applicants able to be on campus in the fall semester of 2016. <http://www.devanmcgranahan.info>
