A PhD position is available in the Butterfield Lab at Northern Arizona University to conduct research on dryland vegetation dynamics and environmental change. The research will broadly take a functional approach to integrating the effects of biotic interactions, soil moisture and climate dynamics on regeneration and mortality of woody plant communities in dryland regions of the western US. The successful candidate will have a background in ecophysiology, functional ecology, bio-informatics, and/or dryland community ecology. Research will be supervised by Brad Butterfield (NAU), John Bradford (USGS/NAU) and Kevin Hultine (Desert Botanical Garden/NAU), providing excellent opportunities to translate basic research into land management and conservation action.
Northern Arizona University provides a vibrant environment for ecological research, combining a long-history of regional excellence with expanding strengths in informatics and ecosystem science. Nestled in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, NAU is in close proximity to a diverse array of ecosystems, as well as year-round and winter outdoor activities.
Interested parties should submit a brief letter of interest, current CV and list of at least 3 references to Brad Butterfield at Bradley.Butterfield@nau.edu.
Brad Butterfield, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Northern Arizona University