Graduate Assistantship Positions Available

Title: PhD Research Assistantship (Wildlife Habitat Restoration Ecology)

Location: Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

Description: A research assistantship is available within the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Wyoming to work closely with Dr. Jeff Beck to undertake a field and laboratory study to identity the disturbance mechanisms causing elk (Cervus elaphus) to avoid areas undergoing oil and natural gas development.  A population of 250–300 elk inhabiting an isolated ~50,000 ha juniper/sagebrush/mixed grass study area are the focus of the study.  The study area lies within the Power River Basin in northeastern Wyoming, an area currently undergoing intensive development of coalbed methane resources.  Proposed plans call for 3-phased development of the methane resources underlying the study area.  Thirty-eight female elk have been equipped with real-time GPS collars to monitor habitat selection as development proceeds.  Comparative pre-treatment data are available from the study area through VHF telemetry studies in the early 1990s and since 2005.  Comparative pre and post treatment data are available from another study area in western Wyoming.  Field monitoring will include collecting data with road and noise monitoring equipment.  Opportunities exist to evaluate experimentally simulated disturbances with captive elk or to assess stress in wild elk through fecal glucocorticoids or body condition measurements.  Quarterly and annual reporting to study cooperators (BLM, WGFD, and energy companies) will be a central form of communication for this study.

Degree: Graduate studies will lead to a PhD in Ecology or Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management at the University of Wyoming.  In addition to the degree, the graduate student will have the option to earn a certificate in Reclamation and Restoration Ecology. 

Qualifications: Competitive GPA and GRE scores are required; combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores must be >1,100 to be considered.  Applicants must have earned an MS in wildlife science, ecology, zoology or related fields prior to beginning the assistantship.  Prior field experience and coursework in spatial ecology, wildlife habitat ecology, and statistics are desirable.  Must have the ability to work in rough/remote terrain, drive 4WD vehicles and ATVs, and cheerfully endure adverse environmental conditions including wind, cold, heat, mud, biting insects, and rattlesnakes.  An ability to clearly communicate study objectives and findings to diverse audiences including private landowners, natural resource agency employees, and energy company personnel is a must.

Salary and benefits: $24,976 per year, which includes stipend ($14,452), academic and summer tuition, fees, and health insurance.

Last Date to Apply: July 1, 2008.

Preferred Starting Date: August 25, 2008 (or earlier)

Website: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWRENEWABLE/Faculty/J_Beck.asp

Application: Please electronically submit (PDFs are preferred) your CV (including at least 3 references), GPA and GRE scores, letter of intent, and a publication demonstrating your finest research work to Dr. Jeffrey L. Beck (jlbeck@uwyo.edu), Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Dept 3354, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071.  The University of Wyoming is an EEO/AA employer.

Title: Post-Doctoral Scientist: Environmental Sciences

Location: Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

Position # 4832

We are searching for an outstanding candidate to conduct an interdisciplinary research focused on mineral carbonation process to sequester anthropogenic CO₂ and arsenic removal from groundwater.  Also, help teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in related field such as Geochemistry, Soil Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. Excellent writing and communication skills and experience with current and advanced analytical techniques including SEM/EDS and other atomic level approaches are highly desirable. Successful candidate is expected to work with M.S. and Ph.D. students.

Opportunities for successful candidate will include learning new methodologies, assisting in the training of other graduate students and undergraduate students, and presenting research results at appropriate national and international meetings and publishing in peer reviewed journals. This position is for 2 years.  Review of applications will begin the third week of  March until position is filled. We offer an attractive and competitive salary. The University Wyoming offers excellent benefits.

To apply please send current resume, contact information for three references, and statement of research and teaching interests to Dr. K.J. Reddy, Professor, Department of Renewable Resources, Dept. 3354, 1000 E. University Ave., University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071

A graduate research assistantship (MS) is available to work on US Geological Survey and Wyoming Water Development Commission funded project. The project deals with developing a new stable isotope method for tracing seepage out of the Coal Bed Natural Gas water holding ponds in Powder River Basin Wyoming. The project will provide extensive opportunity for lab experience in stable isotope mass spectrometry and other water quality measurement and sampling techniques. Background in Geology, chemistry or environmental Sciences is preferred. The assistantship is available from Summer/Fall 2008 and includes tuition and a 12 month stipend for 2 years.

For more information please call or e-mail:
Dr. Shikha Sharma
Department of Renewable Resources
University of Wyoming
Laramie WY-82070
307-766-5021
shikha@uwyo.edu

Wyoming – MS Assistantship: Soil Physics

A 2 year MS assistantship is available at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. The successful candidate will combine field observations and modeling to study the water and energy balance of high elevation ecosystems. Students interested in soil water content sensing, sub-surface water flow and heat transport, and soil-plant-atmosphere interactions are encouraged to apply. The intended starting date is Summer or Fall 2008. Stipend for the 9-month academic year, additional summer stipend, tuition & fee reduction, and health insurance are provided. To apply, email cover letter, curriculum vitae, GPA and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to tkellene@uwyo.edu. For more information contact Dr Thijs Kelleners, Department of Renewable Resources at 307-766-4279. Further information can be found at our website http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWrenewable/. 

Graduate Research Assistantship: Sustainable Agriculture

The University of Wyoming Department of Renewable Resources seeks a skilled Ph.D. student to research soil resource dynamics and economic viability in irrigated and dryland cropping systems. Applicants should have an M.S. degree in a soil science discipline and an interest in agricultural economics. The three-year assistantship begins as soon as possible, and includes a competitive monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. To apply send curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three references as email attachments to Dr. Jay Norton (jnorton4@uwyo.edu). For more information contact Dr. Norton by e-mail or at 307-766-5082.

Shrubland Ecology, Plant Invasion Ecology and T&E Species Management.

Shrubland Ecology:  We are conducting a variety of projects in shrubland ecosystems targeting habitat monitoring and manipulations to enhance revegetation, discourage invasive species encroachment and favor ecosystem function. Preferred skills: experience in identification of grassland and shrubland species of the Intermountain West, knowledge of vegetative monitoring techniques, familiarity with GPS units, and ecological site description.

Invasion Ecology:  Graduate research assistantship to investigate exotic species encroachment into native populations in the Northern Great Plains and the Intermountain West. Students with interest in plant evolution are preferred. Preferred skills: degree and field experience in terrestrial plant ecology, weed science, botany, or rangeland ecology. Experience with plant genetics, greenhouse germination or plant competition.

T&E Species: Graduate research assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) to investigate vegetation management to favor native populations of T&E species including Colorado Butterfly Plant, Prebles Jumping Mouse or Greater Sage Grouse. We are currently conducting a variety of habitat manipulation and revegetation projects in different areas for these targeted species.   Experience with federal agencies, GPS, plant  identification, herbicides, biocontrol insects or fire preferred.

In all cases, applicants are expected to: be energetic, highly motivated, capable of pursuing innovative research questions. Successful students must work for extended periods under field and greenhouse conditions, take initiative, be meticulous in record-keeping, possess good team spirit and strong  written and communication skills. To apply, you should state the areas within which you desire to conduct research and your training that suits you to the above projects. SEND: a resume, GRE and transcripts and “statement of research interests and professional goals”  directly to: Dr. Ann Hild, Department of Renewable Resources-3354, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071 or via email at annhild@uwyo.edu.

A PhD graduate assistantship is available in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Wyoming for a student to study physiological dynamics in grassland, shrub steppe and/or desert shrublands in intermountain basins of Wyoming and the surrounding region. The student will be expected to develop an independent and original project that investigates ecological and evolutionary constraints on ecosystem responses to precipitation change, grazing disturbance, alien species invasion, or other global change factors.  The plant physiological ecology lab in the Department of Renewable Resources is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for measuring plant hydraulic properties and sap flow, plant, soil, and ecosystem gas exchange, tissue chemistry, and stable isotope variation.  Preferred applicants will have appropriate background in plant physiology, ecosystem ecology, botany, rangeland ecology, or a related discipline.  Stipend is $14,400 for the 9-month academic year.  Interested persons should send a short CV, letter of interest, and names and contact information for three references to: Dr. David G. Williams (dgw@uwyo.edu), Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3354, Laramie, WY, 82071. An EEO/AA Employer.