[ES_JOBS_NET] *PhD student in Remote Sensing of Ecosystem Functioning* UW Madison

[Erika Marín-Spiotta]

*PhD student in Remote Sensing of Ecosystem Functioning*

The Townsend lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the department
of Forest & Wildlife Ecology seeks a motivated Ph.D. student interested in
the linkage of remote sensing with plant physiology. The work will involve
use of imaging spectroscopy data (such as AVIRIS), thermal infrared imagery
(such as MASTER) as well as data from multispectral sensors (Landsat,
MODIS, VIIRS), in addition to field measurements.  The position is
associated with multi-investigator projects examining the capacity of
remote sensing to measure the photosynthetic capacity of both natural and
agricultural ecosystems, and how these properties vary with environmental
drivers. Ultimately, we plan to use our findings to develop methods to
incorporate data from forthcoming remote sensing instruments to improve
modeling of ecosystem response to environmental change. For this position,
we are in search of a student with a strong background in plant biology or
ecology who is also interested in using remote sensing technologies to
quantify physiological aspects of plant growth, especially as they relate
to variations in climate. The research will involve the linkage of field
measurements of photosynthesis and physiological status to remote sensing
and ecosystem models, in addition to development of methods to map
landscape pattern from remote sensing data. The student will matriculate in
the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of
Wisconsin =96 Madison.  Questions about the position should be directed to
Professor Phil Townsend, ptownsend at wisc.edu.

Position is available starting on or after July 1, 2013.  The position is a
standard 50% time research assistantship, with a stipend (currently
$20,808/year), tuition remission (minus segregated fees), and access to
health benefits.

*Qualifications:*

A MS degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, geography,
forestry, or other related discipline is required.  Applicants with a BS
degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be
shown.

A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics is
required.  Programming or scripting experience (e.g., in R, Python, IDL or
Matlab) is beneficial. Good English writing and verbal communication
skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential.

*Town:*

Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the
United States to live, work, and study.  It is Wisconsin's capital city,
with a vibrant population of approximately 300,000 that combines small town
charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities.  For more
information on campus and town see http://www.wisc.edu/about/location.php

*Application Process:*

Deadline for application is April 15, 2013. Applications will be reviewed
upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. The
University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all
qualified individuals to apply.

Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the following documents listed
below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rodock at wisc.edu) (in
ONE PDF file). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to
start.

*Required Documents:*

   - The =93Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison
   Graduate Application Cover Sheet=94 which can be found at:
   http://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/coversheet_=
townsend_1142.doc
   - A well-crafted cover letter outlining research interests, academic and
   professional backgrounds
   - Resume/CV
   - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point)
   - GRE scores if available (TOEFL if applicable)
   - Names and contact addresses of three references

*Posted March 4, 2013*