Graduate Student Assistantship Available
Arctic Plant Physiological Ecology
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
Toolik Field Station, Brooks Range, Alaska
This position is open until filled.
For more information please contact:
Gregory Starr
Email: gstarr [at] ua.edu
Phone: 205-348-0556
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama seeks
applicants for a Graduate Assistantship (MS or PhD) in a large
interdisciplinary project on arctic plant physiological ecology at the
Toolik Arctic Research Station (http://www.uaf.edu/toolik). The
student's research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology,
ecosystem physiology, or plant ecology.
The project will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of
winter physiological processes for two tundra ecosystems. The student
will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the
University of Alabama, Florida International University, and from the
Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site. A general knowledge of
LI-COR photosynthetic equipment and Campbell Scientific equipment is a
plus. This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: a stipend,
health insurance, travel expenses, and living accommodations at Toolik
Lake.
There is overwhelming evidence for rapid climate change in the Arctic.
These changes include the physical environment, carbon balance, and
plant community structure. The vast majority of research on tundra
vegetation has focused on physiological processes during the short 2-3
month growing season, with only a handful of studies of physiological
processes during the 9-10 month cold season. Although the rates of these
processes are low, summed over the long cold season they are extremely
important. A comprehensive understanding of cold-season physiological
processes of tundra vegetation is critically needed given the large
potential for further climate changes in the Arctic.
Interested students should send a copy of their CV, a statement of their
research interests, and an unofficial copy of their transcripts to:
Gregory Starr
Email:gstarr [at] ua.edu
Phone: 205-348-0556