SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Graduate Research Assistantship in Dendroclimatology, starting either in Fall 2010 or Spring 2011. We are seeking a graduate student to join a new project investigating multi-scale interactions of forest ecosystems and climatic variability in the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York. Using high resolution spatial climate data, we will establish an extensive multi-species tree-ring network in the Adirondacks that captures the spatial and temporal variability in climatic factors influencing forest health, productivity, competitive interactions, and resilience to change. In addition to developing climate-growth functions for two climate-sensitive species in the northeast US, we will explore novel methods for evaluating coupled spatiotemporal dynamics in climate and forest growth at local and landscape scales. The graduate student will lead the collection, measurement and analysis of tree-ring data and will assist with climate-growth modeling and related efforts. Basic qualifications include a BSc degree in ecology, mathematics, statistics or a similar field, a strong quantitative background, the ability to work without supervision in both field and lab settings. Desired qualifications include one or more of the following: a MSc degree in forest ecology, dendrochronology, applied mathematics (including statistics), ecological modeling or a similar field, or equivalent amount of experience with: tree-ring measurements/analysis; wood anatomy sampling/analysis; management of large datasets; supervising technicians. The position is funded for two years and provides a competitive stipend, tuition and benefits. To apply, please send a CV, cover letter, contact information for three references to Dr. Colin Beier at cbe...@esf.edu. Questions regarding the position are welcome. Please be sure to include the text "ADK DENDRO" in the message subject line.
