M.Sc./Ph.D. Opportunity
Department of Soil Science Department
University of Saskatchewan, Canada
* Project title*
**Development and function of arctic and alpine biological soil crust
communities
*Project summary *
**In alpine and arctic environments, Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) are
often a dominant vegetation unit, making these ecosystems a uniquely
powerful model for examining the role of BSCs in terrestrial ecosystem
development. The *first goal in this series of projects is to determine
the initial and realized niche ranges of key species found in BSCs.
While determining species niche ranges is needed for successful
restoration of alpine and tundra plant communities, long-term ecosystem
recovery and health is ultimately dependent on restoration of key
ecosystem processes. Therefore, our second goal is to link niche
construction with the recovery of ecosystem functions for key BSC
species. We will achieve these goals by determining niche ranges and
recovery of key ecosystem processes under both natural recolonization
and active restoration. *Optima and niche ranges for key macro and micro
BSC phyla will be determined through characterization of BSCs in
relation to key microclimate and soil physicochemical factors along
subarctic alpine chronosequences, tundra drilling waste materials and
mine site tailings. Manipulative growth chamber and field experiments
will assist in the confirmation of niche ranges and help to develop BSC
restoration techniques.
*Expectations*
**There are opportunities for both M.Sc. and Ph.D. positions.
·Background in soil and/or plant sciences
·Interest in plant-soil systems, non-vascular plant communities, soil
microbial composition and function
·Field work in remote locations including soil sampling, moss and lichen
identification
·Experience with molecular analyses/data considered an asset
The expected starting date for the 2-year M.Sc. and 3-year Ph.D.
positions vary from July 1, 2018 to January 1, 2019.
The stipend for the M.Sc. position is $22,680 per year and $27,018 for
the Ph.D. position.
Interested candidates should submit a statement of interest, CV and
three references, unofficial transcripts and a sample of writing to Dr.
Katherine Stewart, Department of Soil Science, University of
Saskatchewan ([email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>). For more information please
contact Dr. Stewart.
Katherine Stewart
Assistant Professor
51 Campus Drive
Department of Soil Science
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
S7N 5A8
+1-306-966-1916 <tel:%2B1-306-966-4035>
