[ECOLOG-L] Graduate research assistantship in forest ecology
Two fully-funded Ph.D. research assistantships in forest ecology are available at the University of Toronto. Both Ph.D. candidates will examine how hardwood forests should be managed to supply biomass for the production of clean energy in Ontario. One of the candidates will focus on quantifying trade-offs between the supply of wood for energy and the supply of deadwood for wildlife habitat. In particular, the candidate will quantify the amount and value of wood products that can be recovered from whole-tree harvests (including all branches down to 4 cm diameter), and assess the impact of whole-tree harvesting on both coarse and fine woody debris. A second PhD student will focus on quantifying the impact of whole-tree harvesting for bioenergy production on soil nutrient cycling. In particular, the candidate will quantify changes in the availability of macro- and micronutrients, with the aim of assessing the long-term sustainability of whole-tree harvesting. Within this project, soil microbial communities responsible for nutrient supply through decomposition and subsequent transformations will be studied in part using new molecular ecology approaches. Qualifications: 1) sincere interest in both forest ecology and forestry, 2) ability to conduct field work in remote locations under challenging conditions, 3) strong quantitative skills, 4) strong laboratory skills (position #2), 4) valid drivers' licence (Canadian or US licence preferred), and 5) excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Strong applicants who wish to pursue a master's degree will also be considered. The research will be conducted in collaboration with John Caspersen (Faculty of Forestry), Nathan Basiliko (Department of Geography) and Trevor Jones (Ontario Forest Research Institute, OMNR). Applicants should send a letter of enquiry and curriculum vitae to John Caspersen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Nathan Basiliko ([EMAIL PROTECTED] ). Qualified applicants will be asked to apply to the Faculty of Forestry or the Department of Geography. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 15th, but the positions will remain open until suitable candidates are selected.
Ph.D. Research Assistantship - Crown Architecture and Wood Quality
A fully-funded Ph.D. research assistantship is available in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto. The Ph.D. candidate will examine the effects of stand structure and composition on crown architecture and wood quality, focusing on spruce, aspen and pine in pure and mixed stands in Ontario. This research will contribute to a larger NSERC Strategic Network project that seeks to develop decision-support systems for forest managers and wood manufacturers. As a participant in the ForValueNetwork, the Ph.D. candidate will have the opportunity to learn about other projects being conducted by network members, to enhance their knowledge and technical skills, and to collaborate with students and researchers in other parts of Canada. The Ph.D. candidate will be responsible for completing all four phases of the project: 1) compiling and analyzing tree and stand data for spruce, aspen, and pine from permanent sampling plot (PSP) datasets; 2) collecting field data in selected stands to evaluate effects of stand structure and composition on crown architecture and wood quality; 3) data analysis and modeling; and, 4) preparing progress reports, manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and a thesis. Qualifications: 1.Sincere interest in forest ecology and silviculture 2.Strong quantitative skills 3.Experience and ability to conduct field work in remote locations 4.Valid driversÂ’ licence (Canadian or US licence preferred). 5.Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. 6.Demonstrated ability to work independently and to meet deadlines. Stipend: $19,000 (CDN) annually Starting Date: April 1, 2008 (tentatively) Application: Send a letter of enquiry and curriculum vitae to: John Caspersen Faculty of Forestry University of Toronto 33 Willcocks Street Toronto, Ontario, M4X 1A4 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Further information on the Faculty of Forestry and how to apply for admission as a graduate student is available at: http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/
Post-doctoral Position in Forest Modeling
The Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto seeks a post-doctoral researcher to study stand dynamics in temperate and boreal forests that are managed under various partial harvesting regimes. Topics of study will include growth and mortality responses to partial harvest, the dynamics of coarse woody debris, and the long-term effects of partial harvesting on stand structure and composition. The positions will be jointly supervised by Sean Thomas and John Caspersen. We seek to fill this position by June 1, 2007, and anticipate that the position will last for two years. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in modeling and computer programming. To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, CV, and the names of three references to John Caspersen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Review of applications for the position will begin April 1 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. More information on our research programs can be found at: http://larva.forestry.utoronto.ca/thomas/ThomasMain.htm http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/ac_staff/current/jcaspersen/
Graduate Research Assistantship in Forest Ecology
I am seeking a MasterÂ’s or Ph.D. student to help conduct forest canopy research. The objective of the research is to quantify developmental changes in the structure of tree canopies (e.g. leaf size and leaf area index), and to determine how these changes influence the understory (light transmission and regeneration). Studies will be conducted at Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Resereve (see www.haliburtonforest.com) in central Ontario, making use of a dedicated off-road lift system for canopy access by personnel and instrumentation. Interested students should email or call John Caspersen: John Caspersen Faculty of Forestry University of Toronto [EMAIL PROTECTED] 416 946-8506
