I seek applicants for a MS-level research assistantship focused on the interactions between geese and their vegetation under changing climate scenarios in the Yukon-Kushokwim (Y-K) Delta, Alaska. This research project combines goose biology with ecosystem ecology, and the successful candidate must have a strong interest in pursuing the intersection between community and ecosystem ecology.
Institution: Utah State University Salary: $15,000/year plus tuition award End Date: Application deadline is October 15, 2014. The successful applicant will be expected to: (a) take the lead, while working with faculty and other students, in designing, planning, and implementing a field experiment on the interaction between geese grazing and vegetation under changing climate scenarios in the Y-K Delta; (b) collect, analyze, and interpret carbon and/or nitrogen cycling data from the experiment; and (d) incorporate analyses of field data into thesis chapters and publications. Competitive candidates will be expected to have: (a) strong field experience related to the project in the areas of either goose biology or ecosystem ecology, previous experience in Arctic systems is a plus; (b) strong interest in the intersection between community and ecosystem ecology; (c) evidence of success in previous projects, including publications and/or professional presentations; and (d) a GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores above 40th percentile are required, but a cumulative GPA above 3.5 and GRE scores above 70th percentile is preferred. Qualifications: Start date: 01 January 2015. Field work will occur from April-August 2015 and 2016. Support for 2 years at a rate of $15,000 per year (plus a full tuition award) guaranteed. Contact: Prospective students should contact Dr. Karen Beard ([email protected]) for more information: please include a current resume with GPA and GRE scores, and statement of research interests with your inquiry.
