The Wason Lab of Forest Ecosystem Physiology in the University of Maine’s School of Forest Resources is seeking a highly motivated Master’s or Doctoral student to research tree physiology and xylem water transport in northeastern forests. The research will address one or more of the following: (1) physiological limitations on establishment, growth, and/or survival of trees in the northeastern United States under climate change; (2) water transport pathways and drought resistance in woody plant xylem; (3) water and gas flux from leaf to forest-stand scales in changing environmental conditions; (4) xylem structure and function relationships. This research will use a combination of lab- and field-based measurements including experimental manipulation of environmental conditions via warming and/or drought.
Assistantship: This position provides funding at approximately $20,000 USD / year, 50% of health insurance paid, and a tuition waver. Operating funds are also available. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have field and lab skills, experience with tree physiological measurements and plant microscopy, familiarity with northeastern US forests, a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience with R is desired. Start date is September 2019 with the possibility of preliminary experiments in Summer 2019. For prospective Doctoral students, a Master’s degree is strongly encouraged. About the University of Maine School of Forest Resources: (SFR, http://forest.umaine.edu): With almost 90% of the state covered by forest, forest resources are central to Maine’s quality of life and economy. The SFR provides essential forestry education and research and is a signature area of the University of Maine. Approximately 60 graduate students are currently enrolled in M.F., M.S., and Ph.D. programs within the SFR. The University has over 11,000 students and is the state’s flagship research institution. To Apply: The position will remain open until filled. If interested, send a CV, GRE scores, and statement of your research interests to jay.wa...@maine.edu
