MS/PhD Opportunities in Soil Biogeochemistry, U Montana

MS/PhD Opportunities in Soil Ecology/Biogeochemistry, Department of Ecosystems &
Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT

Graduate student assistantships: Graduate assistantships are available to students interested in
investigating soil ecology and/or soil biogeochemical cycling at the University of Montana in
Missoula. Students will be encouraged to contribute to ongoing research in tropical rain forest
ecosystems, including i) the effects of global environmental change on soil carbon cycling,
nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes, ii) links between microbial community structure and
soil biogeochemical processes; or iii) links between aboveground and belowground diversity and
processes. Motivated students interested in developing dissertation or thesis research projects in
western temperate/alpine ecosystems, or students with prior experience using molecular
microbiological techniques are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong
record of academic excellence, prior field and/or laboratory experience, and a demonstrated
interest in soils or ecosystems research. Student support will include a combination of teaching/
research assistantships, a stipend ($10,000/year for MS students; $15,000/year for PhD
candidates) and a tuition waiver. Positions will begin in the fall of 2008.

The community and resources: Missoula, a city of ~ 60,000 people, is a great place to live and
work. It is surrounded by the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests, and the Missoula valley includes
the stunning Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Clark Fork Rivers. It offers immediate access to world-class
fishing, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking and climbing, and includes miles of hiking and horse
trails, easy access to multiple wilderness areas and national parks, and hundreds of camping and
hunting locations. Students will also have access to the College’s Lubrecht Experimental Forest,
the Bandy Experimental Ranch and the Flathead Lake Biological Station, among others, for those
choosing to conduct local research projects.

To apply: Please email the following application materials (as a single PDF or Word document) to
Dr. Cory Cleveland at cory.cleveland@umontana.edu: 1) a current resume or CV, including GPA and
test scores (if available); 2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and
prior experience; and 3) contact information, including Email addresses, of three potential
references. Applications received by December 31, 2007 will be given preference.

For more information: For more information about Dr. Cleveland’s research, please see: http://
honu.colorado.edu/ibl. For information on the College of Forestry & Conservation at the University
of Montana, please see: http://www.forestry.umt.edu/