The Cardinale lab at the University of Michigan has an opening for a new M.S. or Ph.D. to work on a project that will examine how modern mechanisms of species coexistence influence the ecological functioning of communities. Modern ecological theory suggests that species coexistence, and biodiversity within trophic levels, are jointly influenced by relative fitness differences that generate competitive hierarchies among species, and niche differences that stabilize species interactions in the face of hierarchies.
The successful candidate will help design and lead experiments using freshwater algae and invertebrates as a model study system to test predictions about how these mechanisms of coexistence influence the production and stability of biomass in ecological communities. A background in ecology, aquatic biology, or a related field is required. Prior work with freshwater organisms is preferred, but not required.
The Cardinale lab is in the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan (http://cardinale.seas.umich.edu/). UM was recently ranked 15th on the Times Higher Education’s list of the world’s top 200 universities, and has a top-ranked graduate program in the environmental sciences. Ann Arbor is also routinely ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. (see Money’s list of America’s Best Small Cities) due to its affordability, natural beauty, preservation of wooded areas, vibrant arts program, and lively downtown landscape.
The assistantship offers a competitive stipend plus tuition and benefits. Applications are due by December 15th, 2018 (http://seas.umich.edu/admissions/apply).
Pre-inquiries can be directed to …
Dr. Bradley J. Cardinale
Email: bradcard@umich.edu
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.