[IUFRO RG 7.03 FORENT] MSc in soil microarthropods-agroforestry plantations

MSc in soil microarthropods-agroforestry plantations We are looking for a MSc. Student (or potentially a PhD) to work on a fully funded project looking at how soil microarthropod communities in agroforestry and mixed-species forest plantations may be affected by climate change. These plantations are part of developing network of experimental sites unique to North America where diverse tree species with varying ecological traits are combined in an agroforestery/plantation setting to buffer potential impacts of climate change and re-establish biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. This project will focus on comparisons of microarthropods (collembolan and soil mites) in root systems with complimentary rooting depths in an effort to characterize diversity-ecosystem function relations and the capacity for complex root systems to maintain microorganisms in a changing climate. The successful candidate will have an interest in soil microarthropods and the ecological role of these organisms in agricultural and forest systems. No formal experience with soil microarthropods is necessary: identification of very small soil organisms will be a major part of this project, but training will be provided. As with any graduate project, enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to learn will be crucial. Prospective candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or some related field. Ideally, the project will begin in September 2011. The successful candidate will be part of the Department of Biological Sciences at the Université du Québec à Montréal [UQAM] and the Center for Forest Research [CFR] (http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=CEF.Accueil?userlang=en). The CFR is a multi-institutional, bilingual research group funded by the government of Quebec [FQRNT] and dedicated to the study of forest ecology, conservation, and sustainable forest management. With more than 50 university researchers, 10 dedicated research support staff, and 150 graduate students, the CFR offers numerous opportunities and a rich and dynamic academic setting for prospective students. Montreal is a multicultural, vibrant city with 4 major universities, which provides an ideal setting for graduate studies. A working knowledge of English is necessary to understand the scientific literature. Knowledge of French would also be an asset. UQAM accepts theses in either language and CFR professionals are available to help students write in either language. If interested please send CV and letter of intent to Tim Work- UQAM work.timothy(a)uqam.ca