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@uqam.ca