The van Gestel lab at Texas Tech University (TTU), department of Biological Sciences and the TTU Climate Science Center is seeking for a qualified PhD or Master=92s student interested in carbon cycling. The lab is focused on microbial ecology and plant ecophysiology in the context of climate change.

Specific topics include: microbial responses to temperature variability, controls of microbial community composition, and plant photosynthetic responses to climate change. See www.nvangestel.com for more information on research conducted in the van Gestel lab.

Brief description:

The student will conduct a warming experiment in Antarctica to understand the effects of warming on carbon fluxes, microbial activity, and plant growth. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation. The trip requires a 4-month trip to the western Antarctic Peninsula (December 2018 through early April 2019) at Palmer Station, a small US research station (see http://pal.lternet.edu/).

The student will receive a research assistantship during the spring semester in which fieldwork is conducted. Teaching assistantships for other semesters are available through the Department of Biological Sciences.

Position: Master=92s or PhD

Qualifications: highly motivated, independent thinker, with a genuine interest in biogeochemical cycles and climate change. Experience in lab and/or fieldwork is preferred. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Start date: January 2018

Application material: – Letter of interest from the prospective student. That statement should include research interests, and a statement of the student=92s professional goals. Include GPA (including graduate GPA if applicable).

– Names and contact information of three references.

– Curriculum vitae.

To ensure consideration, submit application materials by October 20, 2017, to natasja.van-gestel@ttu.edu.

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