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PhD position: Effects of Tasmanian devil scavenging on soil carbon, University of Idaho



Position Announcement
PhD Research Assistantship: Effects of top scavenger declines on soil carbon
Experimental Ecosystem Ecology Lab, University of Idaho

Position description:The Department of Soil and Water Systems at the University of Idaho is seeking a highly motivated PhD student for an NSF-funded project investigating the effects of scavenging by Tasmanian devils (an apex scavenger and osteophage) on soil carbon cycling and forest resilience. The PhD student will work with our research group to: (1) determine how variation in devil densities affects local soil biogeochemistry; (2) investigate how carrion and scavenging networks induce shifts in the metabolic efficiency of microbial communities and decomposition rates of new plant litter inputs; and (3) test the scale at which scavenging by devils is detectable.

Project team: The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Laurel Lynch at the Department of Soil & Water Systems, University of Idaho. The student will work closely with Drs. Tara Hudiburg (forest ecology) and Michael Strickland (microbiology).

Qualifications: Applicants with a MS degree in ecology, forestry, microbiology, soil science, or other related disciplines are preferred, but we will consider exceptional applicants with a BS degree if they have relevant experience. A solid knowledge of carbon cycling and statistics is necessary. The preferred candidate will also have previous experience working in remote locations for fieldwork.

Financial support: The research assistantship includes an annual stipend, tuition remission, health care benefits, and annual conference travel.

Location: Moscow, Idaho and Tasmania, Australia.

Timeline: Review of applicants will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To apply: Please send the following materials to Dr. Laurel Lynch at [email protected]:
Personal Statement, Curriculum Vitae, Unofficial Transcripts, contact information for three references.

Laurel Lynch
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Soil and Water Systems
University of Idaho

Lab Website
https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/5596129690

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