[ECOLOG-L] Post doc position: Biological control and climate change
We are searching for a postdoctoral researcher to study how biodiversity can provide resilience against global environmental change in agro- ecosystems. Specifically, the project will address how multiple invertebrate predators can contribute to resilient biological pest control under a changing climate and land-use. The successful candidate will enter a strong multi-disciplinary, international research environment addressing topical basic as well as applied ecological research questions. The project includes close collaboration with researchers at SLU, the University of Darmstadt, Germany and Ursinus College, USA. The Department of Ecology conduct research for sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation. Our basic research on populations, communities and ecosystems forms the foundation for understanding influences of land use and climate on animals, plants and soil nutrient status and greenhouse gas balance. Solutions are sought that will mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, benefit biological diversity and ecosystem services and control pests in managed agricultural, forested and urban landscapes. Active dissemination, outreach and frequent contacts with stakeholders are key activities. We build on extensive national and international research collaborations to generate cutting-edge research and outreach to further ecology as science and promote sustainable agriculture (see e.g. http://www2.ekol.slu.se/ecoservices and http://www.slu.se/en/Collaborative-Centres-and-Projects/centre-for- biological-control-cbc/). Duties: The postdoctoral researcher is expected to analyse already available data, and perform new experiments to study how the diversity of invertebrate predators contributes to stability of biological control under climate and land-use change. The successful candidate is expected to analyse: 1) the level of redundancy in empirically described aphid- predator food-webs, 2) study how the response diversity of predator communities varies with land-use, and 3) conduct laboratory mesocosm experiments to compare the climate resilience of aphid biological control by predator communities with different response diversity. The successful candidate is expected to take an active part in developing the project and designing experiments, to independently coordinate the empirical work and analyze the collected data, and to write scientific publications in collaboration with the research team. The successful candidate will also assist in the supervision of students, engage in lab activities and communicate with stakeholders. Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate pursuing a research career in ecology and with an interest in biodiversity and plant protection. The required qualification for the position is a PhD in ecology, or equivalent. Documented expertise in statistical analyses is required. Experience in community ecology, food-web ecology and insect ecology is meriting, as is experience of ecological field and lab work. The candidate is expected to be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team. The candidate should have documented skills in scientific writing. Excellent communication skills in English (both written and oral) are required. As postdoctorial appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are pirmarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. Place of work: Uppsala Form of employment: Temporary employment as postdoctoral researcher for 2 years. Extent: 100% Starting date: May 2017 or by agreement Application: We welcome your application marked with Ref no. SLU ua 728/2017. Please submit your application to the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden or registra...@slu.se no later than March 27, 2017. Specific documents attached: (1) CV with a complete list of publications separated into peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed articles, (2) certified PhD diploma, (3) a description of previous research and other activities relevant for the position (e.g. teaching or extension), and a description of specific research interests (maximum two pages), and (4) names and contact information of at least two persons providing references for the applicant. We would appreciate applications to be submitted in English. SLU is an equal opportunity employer. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a
[ECOLOG-L] JOB POSTING- laboratory technician
The aquatic geochemistry lab at the University of Michigan is currently seeking a laboratory technician to assist in research projects involving aquatic geochemistry and environmental science, including the chemical, photochemical, and biogeochemical analysis of water samples in the laboratory, the computer entry of data, and the statistical or graphical analysis of data. A suitable candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree in a natural science discipline such as chemistry, geology, biology or environmental sciences, plus the ability to translate, adapt and apply this knowledge. Candidates should have lab experience in detailed, high-quality biogeochemical analyses of samples, and must show evidence of skill in computer data entry and analysis including graphics. In addition, desired qualifications include experience in field collection of environmental samples in remote areas under difficult conditions, and experience in operating and coordinating in research collection and analysis program with minimum supervision. The position requires moderately strenuous field work in the Arctic during summer (hiking with full packs over tundra). Experience with the following is a plus: UV-vis spectrophotometer, fluorometer, HPLC, mass spectrometry, ICP, analysis of aquatic FDOM, TOC, DIC, oxygen, nutrients, trace metals, Matlab. Interested applicants must apply at the University of Michigan (http://umjobs.org/job_detail/106335/research_associate_i_temp ), job posting # 106335. This full time position is a temporary appointment for up to one year with option to renew pending available funds. You must include a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications and experience. The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer. For questions contact rmc...@umich.edu
Re: [ECOLOG-L] language exam for Ph.D. students?
Hi David, Old Dominion University in Virginia has a foreign language requirement for the Ecology Ph.D. program. It is similar to as you described - student picks language, committee selects a paper, and the student has to either translate it and/or answer questions regarding the information. Cory > On Feb 2, 2015, at 3:37 PM, David Inouye wrote: > > I know Univ. of NC still had a requirement in mid-1970s as I had to take an > exam then, and my son had to take one at Duke in the 1990s. Are there still > any Ph.D. programs that require students take a language exam? Typically > students had to read a paper in the chosen language, and then answer > questions about it posed by a faculty member or committee to confirm > comprehension. So just a reading requirement, not spoken. > > David Inouye
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Loss of field-based courses
Hello everyone, I have to agree with Amod - it comes down to funds and jobs. I went into a Masters wanting to dedicate my career to basic field ecology (and that is what my MS thesis was in), but after two years of non-funded research project and very low stipend I redirected my research to molecular entomology. This allows me to have a small focus of ecology and fieldwork, but there are many more grant and job opportunities. Although I would love to go back to basic field biology, it isn't financially wise until the funding situation greatly improves. Many thanks, Cory > On May 14, 2014, at 8:01 PM, amod saini wrote: > > Hello Mates, >just to add from India also some direction, here is > the same dilemma..now ecology students are demotivated by > biotechnological advances and ecological students have to divert their > career because biotech and biochemistry student replacing them very > fastmyself was ecology student and i had to divert my career to support > my family(otherwise i had to face problem even for my bread)there was a > very less money for ecology projects than others one...so they are > discouraged at many account.. > > amod, north India > Forest ecologist > > >> On 15 May 2014 02:11, Judith S. Weis wrote: >> >> Also field trips/courses may be more expensive to run with transportation >> of groups of students to field sites etc etc. >> I don't think we should worry about the status thing. We all know that >> what we do is the most fun, and students often rate the field trips as the >> best part of the class. >> >> >>> It's not just a US issue - we have seen similar pressures to reduce the >>> field component in degrees in the UK and across Europe. >>> It's worth reading the piece by Robert Arlinghaus (pages 212-215) in the >>> May issue of Fisheries >> http://fisheries.org/docs/wp/UFSH395_final_web.pdf >>> (PDF), where he makes the point that the academic status of those doing >>> dirty/field stuff is less than that of their peers doing 'clean' lab >> work. >>> >>> Arlinghaus, R. (2014) Are current research evaluation metrics causing a >>> tragedy of the scientific commons and the extinction of university-based >>> fisheries programs? Fisheries, 39, 212-215. >>> >>> Chris >>> >>> >>>> <> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> >>> Dr Chris Harrod* >>> Senior Lecturer in Fish & Aquatic Ecology, >>> School of Biological and Chemical Sciences >>> Queen Mary University of London >>> 1.31 Fogg Building >>> Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK >>> >>> Email: c.har...@qmul.ac.uk >>> Twitter: @chris_harrod >>> UK Mobile: +44 (0) 797 741 9314 >>> UK Office: +44 (0) 207 882 6367 >>> http://webspace.qmul.ac.uk/charrod/ >>> http://www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/research/researchgroups/aquaticecology >>> >>> *Chile address >>> Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander Von Humboldt, >>> Universidad de Antofagasta, >>> Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile >>> >>> *Chile Mobile: +56 9 7399 7792 >>> *Chile Office: +56 55 637400 >>> <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< >>> >>> >>> >>> -Original Message- >>> From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news >>> [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Fisher, Shannon J >>> Sent: 14 May 2014 12:36 >>> To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU >>> Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Loss of field-based courses >>> >>> At the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference in Kansas City this past >>> January, I noted the absence of many University graduate students that >>> once represented the cutting edge of natural resource research. The >>> programs that have nearly all but vanished are from large research >>> institutions that followed the path Mike described below. In fact, one >>> major university in my area has fisheries students - yes, fisheries >>> students, that graduate with both B.S. and M.S degrees that have never >>> once set a net, measured a fish, or run a boat. It is very shocking to >>> potential e
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Research Assistant Position in Northwest Territories
There is a research assistantship available through Wilfrid Laurier Universitys Forest Ecology Lab (www.forestecology.ca) and the Taiga Plains Research Network (www.taigaplains.ca) as part of an ongoing partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories (http://www.wlu.ca/research/LaurierNWT). We are looking for a motivated, energetic individual to join our Scotty Creek Forest Dynamics Plot team. The plot is part of the Smithsonian Institutes Global Earth Observatory (SIGEO) program, which forms a network of 49 large forest monitoring plots from the tropics to the boreal. Research assistantship details: -Duration: Three months (late May late August) -Location: Scotty Creek Research Basin, a remote study site near Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada. -Salary/travel: In addition to a research assistant stipend, travel between Waterloo, Ontario and the field site(s) will be provided and food and accommodation while in the field will be provided. -Tasks: contribute to the completion of the Scotty Creek 20.8 ha mapped forest plot. -Interested individuals may develop independent research projects prior to departure for the field site and may focus on a range of ecological and/or hydrological topics relevant to the study site. Qualifications Interested individuals should have the following general qualifications: -Be enrolled in or have completed a science-based university or college program. -Fluency in English -Experience camping, preferably in more remote settings -First aid and firearms training required at time of employment Interested students should contact: Cory Wallace, Plot Coordinator Center for Cold Regions and Water Science Research and Biology Dept., Wilfrid Laurier University 75 University Ave., Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada Phone: (519) 884-0710 ext 4725 Email: corywalla...@gmail.com
[ECOLOG-L] Know any great plant places for our botanical/ecology-focused roadtrip?
My friend and I, a couple of post-undergrad ecologists, are heading out this summer on the Great American Roadtrip. We've gotten some great suggestions of campsites, hikes, etc - but have realized something important is missing: neat plants. We're both fascinated by interesting/endangered ecosystems, plant/animal mutualisms, and just plain strange plant species; I'm also interested in broadly "useful" plants (wild species used as food/medicine, feral crop species, etc). So, we thought we'd send an inquiry out to ecolog, and would be incredibly grateful if any of ecologists/botanists along our route might be willing to share your favorite places/species! Especially looking for: remnant grasslands/prairies/pre-agricultural pockets, endangered ecosystems, unusual agricultural areas, unusual/rare plant species. Examples are the Lost 40 pines in Chippewa Nat'l Forest (MN), and the "pocket deserts" of the Okanogan Valley (WA/BC). Our route: I-90/94 from Boston to Seattle, through MA, NY, northern Great Lakes region, North Dakota, Montana/Idaho/WA. We're also doing the requisite travel blog, and I do some freelance science writing, so we're also interested in places that don't get as much protection/conservation-focused attention as they might deserve (or that, contrarily, shouldn't be visited in order to protect them). Thanks so much! -Cory Teshera-Sterne -- Cory Teshera-Sterne Programmer, Web Developer, Natural Sciences Research Assistant www.linkedin.com/in/corytesherasterne
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Frog tadpoles and nematodes dessinfection
Hi Eric, I am not sure if this translates well to amphibians, but I know that fish of all stages (even eggs) can be treated with repeated small doses of formalin for a variety of fungi and parasites. You may find more information on this subject in the amphibian aquaculture literature and University Extension fact sheets for growers. Good luck! Cory Cory Janiak Graduate Research Assistant Aquatic Sciences | Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources Delaware State University 1200 N. Dupont Highway | Dover, DE 19901 <º>< <º>< <º>< <º>< On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 6:13 AM, Eric Flores wrote: > Hi all > > Does any one got information on chemicals that can be used to prevent > tadpoles of being infected by gastro intestinal nematodes (e.g. helminths)? > > I am looking for some medication to be used in the water to newly hatched > tadpoles in a proper dosis without causing intoxication or stress. > > Comments and feedback highly appreciated. > > > Eric Flores > --
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in Ecosystem Biogeochemistry/Microbial Ecology - University of Montana
Postdoc in Ecosystem Biogeochemistry/Microbial Ecology University of Montana Missoula, MT, USA We seek applications for a postdoctoral position to begin Spring/Summer 2010 in the Soil Biogeochemistry Laboratory at the University of Montana (http://www.cfc.umt.edu/Biogeochemistry/). Candidates with a PhD, a demonstrated record of research experience in soil biogeochemistry and/or microbial ecology, and an interest in carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and conduct independent research that complements ongoing work in tropical rain forest ecosystems, and to help mentor graduate and undergraduate student researchers. Some proficiency in the use of modern biogeochemical and/or microbiological techniques (e.g., PCR, QPCR, cloning, environmental genomics) is required. Please submit applications electronically (via email) to: Dr. Cory Cleveland (cory.clevel...@umontana.edu). Include: 1) a current curriculum vitae; 2) a statement of research interests, experience and goals and; 3) the contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The position will include a competitive salary and benefits package. The initial appointment will be for 1 year, but may be renewed (contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding). Cory Cleveland Assistant Professor Department of Ecosystem & Conservation Sciences College of Forestry & Conservation University of Montana 32 Campus Drive CHCB/SC 423B Missoula, MT 59812 Tel: 406.243.6018 / Fax: 406.243.6656 Email: cory.clevel...@umontana.edu Web: http://www.cfc.umt.edu/biogeochemistry
[ECOLOG-L] MS/PhD Opportunity - Biogoechemistry of recently deglaciated ecosystems
MS/PhD Opportunity in Soil Ecology/Biogeochemistry, Department of Ecosystems & Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT Graduate student assistantships: One new graduate assistantship (MS or PhD) is available to prospective students interested in soil biogeochemical and microbial community dynamics in recently deglaciated landscapes. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent project in one of the following areas: soil biogeochemistry, soil microbial ecology; or plant-microbe interactions. Motivated students with prior experience using molecular microbiological techniques are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong record of academic excellence, prior field and/or laboratory experience, a demonstrated interest in soils or ecosystems research, and be willing to work in mountain environments. Student support will include a 12-month stipend and a tuition waiver (per year). Preference will be given to candidates willing to begin in summer 2010 (summer salary included), and academic positions will begin in the fall of 2010. The community and resources: Missoula, a city of ~ 60,000 people, is a great place to live and work. It is surrounded by the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests, and the Missoula valley includes the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers. It offers immediate access multiple wilderness areas and national parks, and many outdoor activities. To apply: For more information, please contact Cory Cleveland (cory.clevel...@umontana.edu). Students interested in applying should email the following application materials (as a single PDF or Word document): 1) a current resume or CV, including GPA and test scores (if available); 2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience; and 3) contact information, including email addresses, of three potential references. Applications received by December 15, 2009 will be given preference, but the position will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Student Opporunitity - U Montana - Riparian Ecology
Graduate Student Opportunity U Montana (Missoula) Riparian Ecology We seek applications for an MS student to investigate site requirements of late-seral woody riparian plants along the upper Missouri River in central Montana. The primary objective is to assess how multiple factors (e.g., water availability, soil texture and stratigraphy, livestock herbivory) affect plant species composition. In addition, successful applicants will be encouraged to develop and pursue their own, related study questions. Preferred qualifications include: a record of strong academic achievement as an undergraduate; previous coursework and interest in terrestrial plant ecology and soil science; a desire to conduct independent fieldwork in remote settings. Site access and fieldwork may require multi-day canoe trips. Funding is expected for a January 2010 start, and will include a stipend of ~ $16,000 per year, an in-state tuition waiver (for Montana residents), and research expenses including travel and per diem. The successful candidate will be co-advised by Drs. Michael Merigliano and Cory Cleveland (College of Forestry and Conservation) at the University of Montana in Missoula. To apply: Please email the following application materials (as one document) to Dr. Cory Cleveland at cory.clevel...@umontana.edu: 1) a current resume or CV, including GPA and GRE scores (if available); 2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience; and 3) contact information, including Email addresses, of three potential references.
[ECOLOG-L] University of Montana - Graduate Research Assistantships
MS/PhD Opportunity in Soil Ecology/Biogeochemistry, Department of Ecosystems & Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT Graduate student assistantships: One new graduate assistantship (MS or PhD) is available to prospective students interested in soil biogeochemical and microbial community dynamics in recently deglaciated landscapes. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent project in one of the following areas: soil biogeochemistry; soil microbial ecology; or plant-microbe interactions. Motivated students with prior experience using molecular microbiological techniques are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong record of academic excellence, prior field and/or laboratory experience, a demonstrated interest in soils or ecosystems research, and be willing to work in cold, harsh environments. Student support will include a combination of teaching/research assistantships, a stipend ($XX/year for MS students; $XX/year for PhD candidates) and a tuition waiver. Preference will be given to candidates willing to begin in summer 2020 (summer salary included), and academic positions will begin in the fall of 2010. The community and resources: Missoula, a city of ~ 60,000 people, is a great place to live and work. It is surrounded by the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests, and the Missoula valley includes the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers. It offers immediate access multiple wilderness areas and national parks, and many outdoor activities. To apply: For more information, please contact Cory Cleveland (cory.clevel...@umontana.edu). Students interested in applying should email the following application materials (as a single PDF or Word document): 1) a current resume or CV, including GPA and test scores (if available); 2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience; and 3) contact information, including email addresses, of three potential references. Applications received by December 15, 2009 will be given preference, but the position will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified.
[ECOLOG-L] MS/PhD Assistantships, University of Montana
MS/PhD Graduate Student Assistantships in Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry, Department of Ecosystem & Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT Graduate student assistantships: Up to two graduate assistantships are available to prospective students interested in investigating terrestrial ecosystem ecology and/or soil biogeochemical cycling at the University of Montana in Missoula (http://www.umt.edu). Students will be encouraged to contribute to ongoing research in tropical rain forest ecosystems, or to develop original projects in local and/or regional ecosystems. Aspiring Ph.D. students interested in pursuing research in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply: i) the effects of global environmental change on soil carbon cycling, nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes; ii) links between microbial community structure and soil biogeochemical processes; or iii) the relationships between aboveground and belowground diversity and ecosystem processes. Motivated students with prior experience using molecular microbiological techniques will be given especially strong consideration. Applicants should have a strong record of academic excellence, prior field and/or laboratory experience, and a demonstrated interest in soils, ecosystems or microbiological research. Student support will include a combination of teaching/research assistantships, a stipend (~ $16,000/year for MS students and $19,000/year for PhD students) and a tuition waiver. Positions will begin in the fall of 2009. To apply: Please email the following application materials (as one document) to Cory Cleveland at [EMAIL PROTECTED]: 1) a current resume or CV, including GPA and test scores (if available); 2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience; 3) contact information, including Email addresses, of three potential references. For more information on the Soil Biogeochemistry Lab at UMT, please visit http://www.cfc.umt.edu/biogeochemistry, and for more information on the Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences or the College of Forestry & Conservation, please see: http://www.cfc.umt.edu.
Going to Costa Rica?
We have a LICOR soil CO2 analyzer that we need delivered to Costa Rica (location of our field sites). The LICOR is in a suitcase sized Pelicase, and just needs to go to San Jose. If anyone is heading down in February and is willing to help us take it back (can go as checked baggage), we would be willing to compensate you. Please let me know if you think you could help us (and our project) out... Cory Cleveland
Re: Disturbing suggestion
I fail to see how sinking to the level of those we so openly criticize is thinking "outside the box". It seems stunningly hypocritical. If we are going to hold our government responsible for adhering to those principles we have agreed upon, then we cannot also find loopholes to undermine that system we are (apparently) fighting to protect. Yet, there are a few of us who are saying, "Forget it, let's play dirty, too!" I just can't figure out how one reconciles this. Indeed, we now find ourselves in dire traits, but one doesn't fix a leaky canoe by drilling a drain hole. If we don't encourage each other to live by the ethics we're preaching, how do we expect anyone to take us seriously? C. Christopher On 10/15/07 6:31 PM, "Zac d" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Kelly Stettner, > > with all due respect and honor. I will not condone such actions because for > me it does undermine > the entire democratic process. However, you spoke of ethics...Whether people > want to admit > it or not; we are in dire striats, as a country, a people, and a world. Could > you please show me the ethics > involved in the decisions of our (United States of America) present course. > Mr. McCallum has made an interesting > point no matter how misguided you might find it. > > How, as a people, will we alter the course of our government? > > A government which no longer believes in its own principles > set forth by our constitution (?). How could Mr. McCallum run for government > without his own personal millions? Appalling, underhanded,treacherous; Have > you noticed the state of our public educational systems? No, I would not like > if my student hacked a computer system and changed some parameters...nor would > I like if a politician hacked a computer system to infringe upon my right to > vote, or my right to representation, or my civil liberties...Kelly Stettner I > admire your ethics and I must agree, however, unless we start turning out 90% > of our citizens to vote I think it might be time to change our tactics and > regain our country...To think outside the box! > > Sincerely and Respectfully, > peace, balance, and strength, > Zachary A. DeQuattro > > >> Malcolm McCallum> > Mr. McCallum, I certainly hope this is a joke on your >> part. As technically legal as this suggestion is, it is one of the more >> appalling, underhanded, treacherous and down-right disturbing things I've >> seen. > > How about this, instead: If you don't like how a particular party >> is doing its job, develop a foundation of your beliefs and RUN FOR >> OFFICE...or find a candidate of your own party to support and put some >> elbow-grease behind him or her. > > At least these options show some ethics. >> Would you support a student who didn't like his exam, hacked into the >> computer system, and changed the parameters of the test?> > Kelly Stettner, >> Director> Black River Action Team > _ > Boo! Scare away worms, viruses and so much more! Try Windows Live OneCare! > http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/purchase/trial.aspx?s_cid=wl_hotmailnew> s
MS/PhD Opportunities in Soil Biogeochemistry, U Montana
MS/PhD Opportunities in Soil Ecology/Biogeochemistry, Department of Ecosystems & Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT Graduate student assistantships: Graduate assistantships are available to students interested in investigating soil ecology and/or soil biogeochemical cycling at the University of Montana in Missoula. Students will be encouraged to contribute to ongoing research in tropical rain forest ecosystems, including i) the effects of global environmental change on soil carbon cycling, nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes, ii) links between microbial community structure and soil biogeochemical processes; or iii) links between aboveground and belowground diversity and processes. Motivated students interested in developing dissertation or thesis research projects in western temperate/alpine ecosystems, or students with prior experience using molecular microbiological techniques are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong record of academic excellence, prior field and/or laboratory experience, and a demonstrated interest in soils or ecosystems research. Student support will include a combination of teaching/ research assistantships, a stipend ($10,000/year for MS students; $15,000/year for PhD candidates) and a tuition waiver. Positions will begin in the fall of 2008. The community and resources: Missoula, a city of ~ 60,000 people, is a great place to live and work. It is surrounded by the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests, and the Missoula valley includes the stunning Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers. It offers immediate access to world-class fishing, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking and climbing, and includes miles of hiking and horse trails, easy access to multiple wilderness areas and national parks, and hundreds of camping and hunting locations. Students will also have access to the Colleges Lubrecht Experimental Forest, the Bandy Experimental Ranch and the Flathead Lake Biological Station, among others, for those choosing to conduct local research projects. To apply: Please email the following application materials (as a single PDF or Word document) to Dr. Cory Cleveland at [EMAIL PROTECTED]: 1) a current resume or CV, including GPA and test scores (if available); 2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience; and 3) contact information, including Email addresses, of three potential references. Applications received by December 31, 2007 will be given preference. For more information: For more information about Dr. Clevelands research, please see: http:// honu.colorado.edu/ibl. For information on the College of Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana, please see: http://www.forestry.umt.edu/
