Stream nutrient cycling in the context of global change (Reykjavik, Iceland)

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available at Montana State University
for summer 2011 to study stream nutrient cycling in the context of global climate change with Drs.
Wyatt Cross and Jim Hood. The REU student will participate in NSF-funded project “Predicting
Effects of Climate Warming on Stream Ecosystems Using Metabolic Theory and Iceland’s Unique
Geothermal Environment” at Montana State University and in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Iceland project website:
http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~wcross/Research/Iceland.html

The successful candidate will join an international group of ecologists examining the influence of
temperature on stream food webs and nutrient cycling. This research takes advantage of the
unique geothermal environment in Iceland. Stream in Iceland’s Hengill region exhibit wide
variation in ambient water temps due to spatial heterogeneity in geothermal activity. Our research
leverages this spatial heterogeneity in stream temperatures to 1) examine the influence of
temperature on food web and nutrient dynamics and 2) develop theory, grounded in ecological
stoichiometry and metabolic theory, for predicting the response of stream ecosystems to climate
change. The student will work as a part of our team in Iceland on collaborative fieldwork and
experiments. He/She will also develop an independent project.

The ideal candidate should be interested in perusing a career in ecology, hard-working, detail
orientated, and dedicated to his/her work. The student will start on June 15th, 2011 in Reykjavik,
Iceland. We will provide a stipend of $500/week for eight weeks, round-trip transportation to
Reykjavik, and support for lodging in Reykjavik.

Interested students should apply by Friday, February 25th, but applications will be accepted until
the position is filled. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students who
have received their bachelor’s degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not
eligible. Applications should include an unofficial copy of transcripts, contact information for two
academic references, CV, and a one-page statement describing your interest in the REU position,
academic goals, and previous research experience.

Please send applications to:
Jim Hood
(Postdoctoral Researcher, Cross lab, Montana State University)
Email: james.hood1@montana.edu

Questions can be addressed to Jim Hood or Wyatt Cross:
310 Lewis Hall, Ecology Dept., Montana State University
email: wyatt.cross@montana.edu
website: http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~wcross/Cross_website/Home.html