MS Student Position: Climate change responses in coastal Arctic wetlands - South Dakota State Univ

One Master’s Student position is available to participate in an NSF-funded project examining the interactions of multiple climate change forcings on vegetation community and ecosystem function in Arctic wetlands through field and laboratory research. Field work is being conducted in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska and will involve an experiment with flooding, warming, and herbivory treatments followed by measurements of CO₂ and CH₄ gas fluxes. Laboratory research will include experiments to further quantify the influence of temperature, soil moisture, and herbivory on carbon fluxes. The successful candidate must start no later than 1 May 2022 (preferred 1 April 2022) although earlier start can be considered, be willing to work three months each summer in an extremely remote setting in western Alaska, and be comfortable conducting laboratory work as the bulk of the data collection for their thesis. This work is a collaboration between faculty at South Dakota State University, the University of Colorado-Denver, and Utah State University and the MS student will interact with personnel from each location. The successful candidate will receive a tuition waiver; a 12-month stipend; and room, board, and travel expenses during the summer field season.

Required Qualifications: (1) A BS/BA degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field by December 2021; (2) strong academic record including undergraduate research experience; (3) quantitative skills including advanced Excel and introductory R; (4) excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications: (1) Prior experience conducting field research in or living in remote settings for extended periods, (2) experience with ATVs and boating, (3) experience in plant identification, (4) experience with LiCor or other gas exchange systems.

The Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University combines Range, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology within the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. The graduate program strongly emphasizes conservation and wise-use of natural resources. SDState is the Land Grant University for the state and has approximately 13,000 students. SDState is located in Brookings, SD ca. one hour north of Sioux Falls and four hours east of the Twin Cities, and offers a friendly, small, college-town atmosphere.

To apply, send a single PDF with (1) CV; (2) a letter describing how you meet the required qualifications and any preferred qualifications, research interests, and career goals; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three professional references to Josh Leffler (joshua.leffler@sdstate.edu). Formal application to the university only needs to be made after selection of the successful candidate. Application deadline is 1 November 2021.