Graduate Assistantship:
Wetland Ephemerality and Biodiversity Patterns
I am recruiting a MS or PhD graduate fellow to investigate how long-term
changes in climate will impact wetlands (distribution, abundance, water
quality) and biodiversity in range systems. This position will be part of a
team of students addressing complimentary (but independent) questions. The
effects of climate change are critically important in semi-arid systems
where water is the ultimate limiting factor. Water availability is predicted
to decrease across rangelands regardless of precipitation due to
temperature-related increases in vegetative evapotranspiration rates. In
addition, annual water supply in high elevation systems is dependent on
spring snowmelt from the mountains which may be significantly impacted by
shifts in precipitation timing. Water shortage has negative consequences for
both biodiversity and human resource use.
The selected student will use field-based and remotely-sensed data to
characterize wetlands and quantify biodiversity under alternative scenarios
of climate change. Depending on interests, the selected student may have the
opportunity to incorporate molecular methods to quantify biodiversity (eDNA)
and landscape connectivity (landscape genetics approaches). Prospective
students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population
genetics are encouraged to apply. Evidence of robust analytical skills,
strong work ethic, scientific writing, passion for scientific inquiry,
ability to work under harsh field conditions and aptitude for collaborative
research are expected. To apply, please send a statement of interest,
complete CV, unofficial transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, and contact
information for three professional references as a single PDF file to
[email protected].
My spatial ecology and landscape genetics research group is focused on
understanding fine-scale distribution and functional connectivity of animal
species in ecological systems
(https://sites.google.com/site/murphylabuwyo/). University of Wyoming
(www.uwyo.edu) is ideally located in Laramie, Wyoming with easy access to
varied field sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the
campus is only 1 hour from Fort Collins and 2 hours from Denver, CO.
Requirements: GRE 300 (verbal + quantitative – or equivalent ~1200 on old
system), GPA 3.0 (BS)/ 3.3 (MS). Students with GRE 309+ may qualify for a
fellowship enhancement. Closing date: Preference for complete applications
received by Nov. 23, 2014. Review of applicants will begin immediately.
Send materials to Dr. Melanie Murphy ([email protected]). PhD
students are encouraged to apply to the innovative Program in Ecology
(www.uwyo.edu/pie), an integrated, interdepartmental PhD program in
ecological science. Position starts January 2015.
