PhD position in Water Use Dynamics of Bioenergy Crops in the Americas

A PhD associate position is available with a large interdisciplinary NSF-PIRE funded research project
that will examine the social, economic, and ecological implications of bioenergy development in four
countries across the Americas: Argentina (eucalyptus for biodiesel), Brazil (conversion of natural
forests to soy, palm, and sugarcane for ethanol and biodiesel), Mexico (jatropha for biodiesel), and
the U.S. (conversion of hardwood forests to cellulosic ethanol).  The focus of this PhD position will be
to quantify plant water use (sap flow techniques), water use efficiency, and rainfall interception of
biofuel crops and the reference (native) vegetation at each of the four study sites.  As part of this
PhD position, there will be substantial opportunities to collaborate with other researchers with
diverse backgrounds and expertise to conduct more integrated analysis of the impacts of bioenergy
production on coupled water, carbon, and nutrient cycles within each of the study systems, and to
assess effects of land use conversion on site water balance and water quality.

The PhD student will be based at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, and will be co-
advised by Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen (UNH) and Dr. Tom Pypker (Michigan Technological University).  The
position will also require travel for extended periods of time to each of the four study sites.

Minimum qualifications include a M.S. degree (or comparable demonstrated experience) in ecology,
plant ecophysiology, ecohydrology, or a related field. Candidates will require a strong analytical
background and an ability to manage large data sets and supervise field assistants.  Additionally, the
prospective candidate should have demonstrated motivation and strong work habits, the ability to
work independently as well as within a research group, and demonstrated ability to produce
publications based on individual research.  Preferred qualifications include experience with sap flow
techniques, hydrometeorological analyses, and/or other field approaches for measuring plant, soil,
or water dynamics. Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is also desirable.

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, statement of interest, transcripts (unofficial
versions are acceptable), and the names of three references to Heidi Asbjornsen,
heidi.asbjornsen@unh.edu or Tom Pypker, tgpypker@mtu.edu. Review of applications will begin
October 30, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.  The anticipated start date is
sometime between January and May 2013 (negotiable). Funding is available for a total of four years
(one year Teaching Assistantship and three years Research Assistantship). The University of New
Hampshire is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action/equal access employer.