Qualified applicants are sought for an interdisciplinary study of
plant-soil-geologic relationships. Requirements include a completed
PhD in a relevant discipline; research and educational experience
that bridges plant ecology, soil science, and/or earth sciences; and
a strong academic record. Familiarity with ultramafic (serpentine)
rocks, soils, and vegetation and experience with geographic
information systems (GIS) would be advantageous. The successful
applicant will develop and carry out research that meets the goals of
the project described below, working with substantial independence
under the supervision of an ecologist, a soil scientist and a
geologist. Opportunities will be provided for lead authorship,
presentations at meetings, mentorship, and other aspects of career
development. Funding is available for two years beginning immediately.
Please send (1) a cover letter describing your qualifications and
interests as they relate to this project, (2) a curriculum vita, and
(3) the names and e-mail addresses of three references, to the
following: Susan Harrison, Department of Environmental Science and
Policy ([email protected]); Randal Southard, Department of Land,
Air, and Water Resources ([email protected]); and Howard Day,
Department of Geology ([email protected]); University of California, Davis.
PROJECT SUMMARY: Plant species and communities on ultramafic
("serpentine") rocks and soils contribute greatly to California's
outstanding botanical diversity. Such species confined to island-like
exposures of special soil presumably have extremely limited abilities
to survive climatic warming through either latitudinal or elevational
migration. In three existing, funded projects, we are experimentally
assessing the limits to natural and assisted migration in serpentine
plants. In the proposed work, we will deepen our understanding of the
role of geologic and soil variation in determining such
limits. Specifically, we will ask (1) Are widespread and
fire-dependent chaparral shrub species locally adapted, either to
ultramafic versus sandstone-derived soils, or to north versus south
slopes? (2) Do ultramafic soils on north versus south slopes differ
systematically in their chemical and/or physical properties, in ways
that may limit the ability of endemic plant species to shift their
distributions to cooler locations? (3) Given adequate information on
geologic and soil variation, can we predict locations at which
serpentine-endemic species may be successfully transplanted or restored?
