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GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY (PH.D. OR M.S.)

Posted: 
10/19/2020
Expiration Date: 
12/15/2020

GRADUATE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES AT

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY (PH.D. OR M.S.) Start date: May 2021 (flexible)

We are recruiting graduate research assistants as part of a NSF-funded research project focused on the ecology of arctic spring-fed streams The goal of the research project is to understand the role of light versus temperature in driving seasonal patterns of resource supply and food web production across a gradient of stream temperatures in the Arctic. Previous work has indicated that arctic spring-streams have cycles of gross primary

productivity and carbon demand that are seasonally uncoupled due to warm spring temperatures during the winter when primary production if light-limited. Consequently, springs impose significant bioenergetic costs while providing essential winter refuge for aquatic organisms. The successful candidates will work as part of a collaborative team to evaluate several questions regarding the interactive effects of temperature and light on ecosystem processes such as GPP, nutrient uptake, secondary production, and on organismal (i.e., aquatic insects and Dolly Varden char) processes such as growth rates, metabolism, and tissue stoichiometry. The student is also anticipated to formulate their own research questions related to the project that could span topics such as the metabolic theory of ecology, threshold elemental ratios, nutrient uptake and transformations, and ecosystem metabolism within the broader project objective.

Qualifications:

Successful applicants must possess (by the position start date) a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, limnology, or a related field and a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0). A strong work ethic, good communication skills, attention to detail, interest in field work, interest in actionable science, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently are critical. In addition, preference will be given to applicants with prior experience conducting fieldwork, familiarity with R, using ArcGIS software, and with a demonstrated publication record. Fieldwork will be conducted in Alaska based out of Toolik Field Station, so the ability to work in remote Arctic (including winter) conditions is a must.

Stipend and Benefits: Graduate research assistants receive a stipend of $24,000 annually as well as tuition remission and health benefits.

To apply: Interested candidates should send an email with subject “Freeze or Famine graduate position” including a one-page cover letter describing their qualifications and interest along with their CV to Dr. Alex Huryn (lead PI, huryn@ua.edu), copying Dr. Carla Atkinson (carla.l.atkinson@ua.edu) and Dr. Jon Benstead (jbenstead@ua.edu). Review of applications will begin on 15 December 2020 and continue until filled.