-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Justine Karst
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:26 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Three graduate positions in Forest ecology and Forest
Restoration Ecology

-Three graduate positions in Forest ecology and Forest Restoration Ecology-

Three graduate student positions (2M.Sc. and 1Ph.D.) are available for
forest ecology research investigating the impact of abiotic stresses such as
water and nutrient limitations and biotic conditions such as
inter- and intra-specific competition on tree species. The research is part
of a large project that investigates the role of early successional tree
species as reclamation species in mining areas of the boreal mixedwood
forest and parkland regions of Alberta. The overall aim of the research is
to understand underlying forest ecosystem processes, to develop reclamation
techniques, and to determine stand trajectories to successfully regenerate
surface mined lands to self-sustaining forests by restoring ecosystem
functions and processes that are essential for the development of resilient
forests.  
Of particular interest are (1) growth and biomass and resource allocation
(rooting behaviour) in plants and their effect on water, carbon, and
nutrient cycling, (2) determine characteristics necessary to improve the
success of planted tree seedlings, and (3) explore the impact of various
growing conditions such as soil, water and nutrients on forest establishment
and growth.

Graduate students in this project will be under the supervision of Simon
Landhäusser, Industrial Research Chair in Forest Land Reclamation, Alberta
School of Forest Science and Management, Department of Renewable Resources
at the University of Alberta, (http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/). Depending
on the interest and quality of the applicants, the project offers
considerable flexibility in designing a research program that investigates
areas of personal interest within the overall framework of the project.

Background in plant biology, forest ecology or related field is essential,
as is an interest in the linkages between forests and disturbance.
Experience with any of the following will be an asset, but is not required:
soil science, ecophysiology, plant nutrition, and silviculture. Proficiency
in spoken and written English is a necessity. Selection of a student will be
based on academic achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous
research experience. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are
essential.

Application deadline: March 1, 2011 or until the positions are filled.  
Salary ranges between CAN$ 19,500 – 23,500 per year plus benefits for a
period of 2 years for a M.Sc. and 3 years for a Ph.D.; extensions are
possible but will depend on student performance. Students could also be
eligible for Tri-Council graduate scholarships (e.g. NSERC) in their first
year. It is preferable that successful candidates start their laboratory and
fieldwork in May 2011 while applying to the graduate program at the
University of Alberta for the fall or winter of 2011. The applicants must
meet the entrance requirement for the University of Alberta, Department of
Renewable Resources, which can be viewed at:
http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/phdprograms.cfm

Interested candidates should e-mail their transcript, curriculum vitae, a
letter describing their research experience and interests (2 page limit),
recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and contact information
of three references to Dr. Simon Landhäusser, Department of Renewable
Resources, 4-42 Earth Science Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton,
Alberta T6G 2E3, CANADA. Phone:  
(780)-492-6381; Fax: (780)-492-1767.

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