M.S. POSITION AVAILABLE TO STUDY COASTAL PRAIRIE AND TAMAULIPAN THORNSCRUB RESTORATION IN SOUTH TEXAS
I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on the effects of different techniques used to restore coastal prairies and Tamaulipan Thornscrub communities in south Texas. Current restoration strategies involve the use of fire, herbicide, and mechanical treatments as well as planting of native species. Research will be largely field-based and conducted in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas, the primary habitat for the endangered ocelot and Aplomado Falcon. Research questions may include: 1) How long does it take plant communities to respond to different restoration techniques? 2) Is there a differential response among vegetation types? 3) Under what conditions do desired species respond most favorably? 4) Under what conditions do undesired species respond (including invasives)? The position will begin in spring 2013 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Masters program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the students responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander ([email protected]) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately.
