The McLaren lab is currently looking for a highly motivated and qualified graduate student to pursue a M.S. or Ph.D. beginning in summer or Fall 2014 at the University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Biological Sciences.
Research in my lab bridges the fields of community and ecosystem ecology. We focus on effects of changing plant communities, examining impacts on litter decomposition, soil nutrient cycling, and species abundance and productivity. Much of our research is done using manipulative experiments in the field, with a focus on northern ecosystems. Potential projects are open ended, and would be designed collaboratively between the student and myself, with a preference for research conducted at the Kluane Lake Research Station in northern Canada. Local projects in the Chihuahuan Desert are also a possibility. Qualified candidates should have a B.S. or M.S. in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or related field, and show a strong interest in plant ecology, ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry. Ideal candidates will have some previous research experience in field ecology, a strong work ethic, be able to work independently and with a field crew, and availability to begin in May or June 2014. Funding for the position will be through a combination of TAships during the academic term, and RAships over the summer months. Interested students should contact me directly at jrmcla...@utep.edu. Please send a brief letter of interest, GPA, GRE scores (if available), and a resume or CV including a list of relevant course work. For full consideration, complete applications to the UTEP Department of Biological Sciences graduate program are due March 1, 2014, but students are encouraged to contact me well in advance of that date. More information about my lab at UT El Paso is available at www.jenniemclaren.com More information about the Department of Biological Sciences and its graduate programs can be found at http://science.utep.edu/biology/ More information about the Kluane Lake Research Station can be found at http://arctic.ucalgary.ca/klrs/kluane-lake-research-station El Paso is a highly livable community of 800,000 people. El Paso is in the heart of the Chihuahuan desert and experiences more than 300 days of sunshine annually – making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities year round.
