The Coastal Ecology and Conservation lab at the University of Michigan (PI Jake Allgeier; jacoballgeier.com) is seeking to recruit a talented and enthusiastic student interested in using empirical or quantitative approaches to quantify processes associated with large-scale ecosystem
energy and nutrient dynamics. A central goal of our lab is to understand the drivers of productivity in tropical coastal ecosystems by generating empirical data and applying these data to build comprehensive ecosystem models that integrate across behavioral ecology,
population/community ecology, and ecosystem ecology. The overarching goal of our research is to apply outcomes towards ecological restoration and conservation in The Bahamas and Haiti where we have on-going research and conservation efforts.
In accordance with this goal we hope to recruit a student with broad interests and/or experience in any of the following: ecosystem production and metabolism, landscape ecology, water-column dynamics and food web interactions, ecosystem-scale nutrient and energy budgets. The ideal candidate will possess, or have a strong desire to develop, the quantitative skills needed to model these processes.
The PhD student will be conducting their research in tropical coastal ecosystems, but there is no prerequisite that the applicant has previously worked in these systems. In our lab we are interested in broad ecological questions that apply to a system and welcome a diversity of intellectual backgrounds.
Minorities and underrepresented groups in STEM are encouraged to apply. Students from the Caribbean are especially encouraged to apply. The University of Michigan is a nondiscriminatory/affirmative action employer. This is position will be funded in part by the David and Lucille Packard Fellowship
Interested applicants should send an concise email to Jake Allgeier (jeallg@umich.edu) with the following:
– What are your personal interests in ecology and what are your career goals?
– What ecological questions are you interested in pursuing for your graduate work?
– Why do you believe my lab would be a good fit for you?
– Your previous experiences and a copy of your CV.