We’re Recruiting a PhD Student
The School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, seeks a motivated Ph.D. student starting in Spring 2023. The student will be advised by Matthew Bowker and potentially co-advised by other faculty members. Potential research foci include but are not limited to: 1. Ecological role of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) in varied ecosystems, 2. Developing ecological restoration materials and techniques using biocrusts, 3. Resistance of biocrusts to climate change, 4. Ecology of dust, 5. Other soil ecology and restoration ecology topics.
Initial funding would be provided through a Teaching Assistantship (TA) in the School of Forestry, transitioning to a Research Assistantship when possible. The candidate will be expected to participate in seeking funds for an RA, through the NSF GRFP program or comparable program. We will provide an annual stipend of at least $20,000, tuition remission, and student health coverage, in addition to research costs.
TA duties would include assisting Dr. Bowker in teaching an undergraduate Soil Ecology and Management Course in Spring and other Forestry offerings in Fall.
Qualifications: (1) Master of Science in Forestry, Biology, Environmental Science OR (2) Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field plus research experience (undergraduate thesis, capstone or internship, or employment-related experience). Candidates with greenhouse or field research experience, and previous experience or relevant coursework in soil ecology/soil science and/or bryophyte/biocrust ecology will be preferred
The candidate must satisfy all requirements set by the School of Forestry, and Northern Arizona University.
Admissions requirements (Deadline Oct 15, 2022):
GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale in all college and university work
If English is not your native language:
a score of at least 80 on the internet-based TOEFL or
550 on the paper-based TOEFL or
213 on the computer-based TOEFL
Three letters of recommendation
How to apply: First contact me directly (matthew.bowker@nau.edu) to state your research interests, and motivations for attending graduate school, with “soil ecology graduate student inquiry” in the header. In this email, also briefly state why you meet the qualifications. Please attach a resume or C.V. and GPA. If we agree that you are a good match for the position, we will encourage you to formally apply to the program. We will make our final selection from those applicants. All kinds of human are welcome in our lab.
