University of Alaska Anchorage: M.S. Assistantship in Arctic Tundra Ecology.
A research assistantship is available on a project funded by the National
Science Foundation to study the differential phenology of grasses and shrubs
and their implications for ecosystem function (cycling of water, carbon and
nitrogen). The project is a collaboration between the University of Alaska
and Penn State University. The study site is near Kangerlussuaq in western
Greenland, which is accessed via flights with the Air National Guard. The
successful candidate will use stable isotope methods to trace the flow of
carbon from the atmosphere, into plants and soils and back to the
atmosphere. The student is expected to spend the majority of the snow-free
season working at the field site with other members of the project. The
fieldwork is based out of a tent camp, but visits are made to town
approximately once per week. The project will cover the student’s tuition,
health insurance and will provide a competitive stipend. The position will
begin in April 2013, with enrollment to follow in the Fall Semester.
Applicants should be physically fit, hold a valid driver’s license, have
extensive camping experience and be willing to endure periods of poor weather.
The student will be based in Anchorage during the off-season (mid-September-
late May). Laboratory and desk/office space is available in the Ecosystems
Laboratory on the UAA campus and affordable housing can be found within a
bike ride of campus. Anchorage is a surprisingly diverse city with
outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, including more than 130 km of
groomed Nordic ski trails within the city limits. Inquiries are welcome.
To apply for the position, please send a resume and two-page cover letter to
Dr. Paddy Sullivan (pfsullivan@uaa.alaska.edu). Applicants should ensure
that they can meet the admission requirements for the M.S. program in the
Department of Biological Sciences prior to the March 15, 2013 deadline:
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/biology/graduate/index.cfm