[ES_JOBS_NET] Funded PhD position: Alaskan peatland biogeochemical response to changing climate

[Evan Kane]

*Four Years of Graduate Research Assistant Support (PhD)* for a qualified
individual to study response of peatland ecosystems to climate change at
Michigan Technological University, in collaboration with The University of
Alaska (Fairbanks) and Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research site.
Four years of NSF support are anticipated for research, tuition and
stipend, to work in the Alaska Peatland Experiment (APEX) (
https://www.lter.uaf.edu/research/study-sites-overview).  In this
experiment we are manipulating the presence of sedges and Ericaceae as well
as water table to understand their interactive effects on peatland carbon
cycling. Specific questions pertain to mechanisms of anaerobic metabolism
within deep organic soils (peat), and how these processes are likely to
change with altered hydrology and the effects of altered hydrology on plant
functional groups.  The successful candidate should have a background or
strong interest in biogeochemistry, ecosystems ecology, plant physiological
ecology, soil science and/or wetland ecology. Demonstrated research
experience, including scientific publications, is a plus.



The position involves field work in Alaska during the summer, while being
enrolled as a graduate student at Michigan Technological University.  The
project is interdisciplinary and collaborative in nature, and there are
ample opportunities to work with collaborators at the US Forest Service,
Chapman University (Dr. Jason Keller), and The University of Colorado,
Boulder (Dr. Merritt Turetsky).  This allows exposure to multiple areas of
expertise, depending on the student’s interest and research questions.



Michigan Tech is located in the snowbelt (>200” annual snowfall) of
Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula on the South Shore of Lake Superior.  The
region is dominated by vast areas of lakes, forests and wetlands.  Michigan
Tech is in the small university town of Houghton, which was rated as one of
the top 10 U.S. adrenaline outposts by National Geographic Adventure
Magazine, boasting excellent skiing, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking.
Michigan Tech was ranked #5 on College Factual's most recent list of the
best schools for forestry majors in the U.S.



Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until
the position is filled. Start date is somewhat flexible, but we are ideally
looking for someone in the Spring or Summer semesters, 2021. Please send a
cover letter that states your research interests, your curriculum vitae,
and any other relevant materials, and provide the names and contact
information for three references, by email to Evan Kane (eskane at mtu.edu)
and Jason Keller (jkeller at chapman.edu).
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