Ph.D. Position in Ecohydrology, Watershed Science and Stable Isotope
Applications
We are seeking applications for a PhD student to work on an interdisciplinary
project examining
the potential for enhancing ecosystem services through the strategic
incorporation of native
perennial cover in agricultural landscapes, with a focus on water quality and
hydrologic regulation.
This position provides a unique opportunity for a PhD student to participate as
part of a large
interdisciplinary team of researchers on a long-term replicated,
watershed-scale experiment. The
successful candidate will design and implement research using stable isotope
techniques to
assess flow paths of water through the plant-soil-atmosphere continuum within a
series of 14
experimental watersheds treated with different combinations of annual crops and
native prairie
plants. This research tests hypotheses related to targeting the location and
amount of
perennial plant cover within agricultural watersheds for maximizing ecosystem
service benefits
(e.g., water quality, hydrologic regulation, biodiversity, carbon
sequestration, quality of life) while
minimizing costs to society and landowners. The research site is located at the
Neal Smith
National Wildlife Refuge, approximately one hour from the main Iowa State
University campus.
Qualifications: 1) A B.S. and/or M.S. degree in ecology, hydrology, water
resources engineering,
watershed science, plant ecophysiology, environmental science, or a related
field, 2) expertise in
hydrological and/or ecological instrumentation and analysis, 3) capacity to
quickly develop new
skills, 4) demonstrated ability to work both independently and cooperatively
with natural resource
managers and other researchers, 5) strong organizational and interpersonal
abilities, 6) excellent
written and oral communication skills, 7) demonstrated experience and
willingness to work in
both field and laboratory settings. Additionally, former experience with
stable isotope analysis is
desirable but not required.
To apply, please submit a short statement of interest, a full CV, pdf(s) of
relevant publications,
and the names and contact information of three references to one of the
contacts listed below.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable
candidate is found.
The anticipated start date is August 2010, although some flexibility may be
available.
Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen Dr. Matt Helmers
Associate Professor Associate
Professor
Ecosystem Ecology and Restoration Extension Agric.
Engineer
Department of Natural Resource Ecology Department of Agricultural &
Management
Iowa State University Biosystems
Engineering
Ames, Iowa 50011-1010 Iowa State University
email: [email protected] email:
[email protected]
