The Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks is pleased to offer a research assistantship to study interactions of permafrost, fire, and plant successional processes in altering boreal landscapes in Alaska.

The research will focus on:

1. Quantifying patterns and rates of change in ecosystems due to thermokarst through remote sensing and paleoecological studies.
2. Evaluating the interaction of vegetation, permafrost soils, and fire through field surveys.
3. Assessing biogeochemical characteristics that are affecting the ecological responses.

The research will be done in collaboration with ongoing interdisciplinary climate change impact research. The assistantship begins in January 2012 and covers full tuition, fees, and 12 month support for a four-year period through USGS funding. A Master’s degree in Ecology, Soil Science, or Geomorphology is preferred. We are looking for a highly motivated student with strong interests in permafrost dynamics and extensive fieldwork. Interested applicants are encouraged to send a letter and resume detailing interests and previous research experience to Knut Kielland (kkielland@alaska.edu) and Torre Jorgenson (ecoscience@alaska.net) by 15 December 2011.

Contact: Knut Kielland

Titles: Ph.D. Opportunity in Permafrost Landscape Dynamics

This announcement is from the  Bonanza Creek LTER.