[ES_JOBS_NET] MS in Plastic and Carbon Cycling - Utah State University

[Janice Brahney]

*MS position in the Brahney Lab at Utah State University joint with the
Waring Lab at Imperial London*

*(**https://janicebrahney.weebly.com/* <https://janicebrahney.weebly.com/>
*)*


*Project: The effects of plastic on carbon cycling in soil ecosystems*



*Responsibilities:* The successful candidate will be involved with a
project examining the effect of microplastics on soil carbon cycling. Soils
contain roughly three times the amount of carbon as the atmosphere; thus,
understanding how contaminants affect the emissions and uptake of carbon is
tantamount to understanding anthropogenic effects on the climate. The
pervasiveness of microplastic pollution has led to the substantive
accumulation of microplastics in most ecosystems, including wildland soils.
The successful candidates will have opportunities to develop their ideas
within the broader context of the project.



*Qualifications*

The student(s) must have completed a BS by the start date and have a strong
interest and background in one or some of the following subjects:
biogeochemistry, soil ecology, and/or ecosystem ecology. Minimum academic
requirements include a 3.2 GPA. Students with experience in biogeochemistry
and related fields, strong communication skills, and experience with R,
Matlab, or Python are preferred.

*How to Apply*

Please send 1) a letter describing your background and interest in the
research area, specifically addressing how you anticipate contributing to
the project goals and your educational and career goals, 2) your unofficial
transcript, and 3) a CV that includes the names and contact information for
three references to Janice.brahney at usu.edu. The start date is August 2023.
The position will remain open until filled.

*About Logan and Utah State University*

Utah State University is located in the city of Logan, Utah, a town with
approximately 50,000 residents. Situated in a valley between the Wellsville
and Bear River mountain ranges, Logan offers numerous opportunities for
outdoor activities, including local ski resorts, biking, and hiking trails.
Logan is just a short drive to Salt Lake City, as well as many National
Parks, Monuments, and Conservation Areas. The low cost of living makes this
area an attractive place to live, play, and work.

*Housing Costs*
The cost of living in Logan, UT is affordable, but like everywhere, prices
are increasing. The Watershed Science Department is working towards
increasing student pay substantively to keep up with inflation. Forbes
<https://www.forbes.com/places/ut/logan/> lists the cost of living in Logan
at 6% below the national average. “Housing in Logan varies by quality and
price. College Factual
<https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/utah-state-university/paying-for-college/room-and-board/>
estimates
the average cost for housing in Logan, Utah is $2,160 for the academic
year. On-Campus housing <https://www.usu.edu/housing/rates/index> ranges
from $1,000 to $4,000 per semester, with utilities included. Off-campus
housing can be as low as $250 per month or $2,250 for the academic year.
Off-Campus housing usually does not include utilities, and this can cost an
extra $100 per month, per person. Off-Campus housing may also require a
deposit upon signing of a housing contract. Typically, the deposit is the
amount of one month's rent, and the deposit may be returned upon moving out
of the housing unit. “

*Recreation*
Logan, Utah is situated at the foot of the picturesque and easily
accessible Bear River Mountain Range, just across from the rugged
Wellsville Mountains, about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Logan is
consistently ranked among the safest small cities in America, and
outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains. We
are also just a few hours away from the red rock country of southern Utah,
the wild Uinta and Wind River ranges, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone.
The view outside our windows reminds us daily of our charge to better
understand and conserve our natural resources.
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