PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Sonoran Desert Vegetation and Landscape Ecology

December 23, 2009

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PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Sonoran Desert Vegetation and
Landscape Ecology
College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
Lab of Landscape Ecology and Conservation Biology
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona

Responsibilities: A highly motivated PhD student is needed to pursue doctoral research as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary project that aims to develop integrated spatial models of non-native plant invasion, fire risk, and wildlife habitat to support conservation of military and adjacent lands in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. Specifically, the student will help develop novel field protocols and remote sensing techniques that identify non-native invasive plant species, based on both phenological and spectral differences, using ground data and satellite platforms of differing spatial, temporal, and spectral resolutions. In addition, the student will use cutting-edge spatial models and tools to assess relationships of invasive plants to native vegetation communities, fire behavior, wildlife connectivity, and climate change at extensive spatial scales, and across multiple administrative jurisdictions. The successful applicant will work in the Lab of Landscape Ecology and Conservation Biology (http://www.cefns.nau.edu/Academic/EnvSci/Lab/) at Northern Arizona University (NAU), and will work closely with researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and partners with the Department of Defense, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Qualifications: MS in ecology, botany, or related field with a competitive GPA and GRE scores (combined Quantitative and Verbal GRE scores >1200 [or average percentile score >75%]). Priority will be given to applicants with previous experience studying desert ecosystems (e.g., plant physiology, botany, ecology, and remote sensing or sampling techniques), quantitative skills, and/or a background in landscape ecology or conservation biology. A demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and experience conducting research in arid and semi-arid ecosystems is preferred, but not required.

Location: All applications will be received by and routed through the Department of Biology OR School of Forestry. For admission requirements and deadlines in the Department of Biology, please visit: http://cefns.nau.edu/Academic/Biology/Graduate/ApplicationInformation.shtml. For the School of Forestry, please visit: http://www.for.nau.edu/cms/content/view/477/640/. It is the applicants’ responsibility to determine their preferred program and choose one. The successful applicant for this position will be located at NAU in Flagstaff, AZ. Seasonal field work will be located in southwestern Arizona.

Salary: A competitive annual stipend (plus benefits and tuition) for up to 4 years, with possibility of extension.

Start date: Fall 2010 (Summer 2010 preferred)

PRIOR TO THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT APPLICATION DEADLINE ON FEBRUARY 15, 2010, prospective applicants are encouraged to email a cover letter that addresses your interest and experience, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for at least three professional references to: Dr. Brett G. Dickson in the School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability at NAU, at brett.dickson@nau.edu. NAU is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.
See http://www.nau.edu/gradcol/indexgc.html for more details regarding admission to NAU.

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