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Four PhD Graduate Assistant positions will be available in Spring/Fall, 2010 in the Ecosystem Dynamics and Global Ecology (EDGE) Laboratory, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, USA (https://fp.auburn.edu/sfws/esra/Default.htm). We invite highly motivated applicants to join the EDGE Laboratory as a PhD student for investigating the cutting-edge research issues in ecosystem and global ecology by using quantitative, computational and integrated approaches. Successful individuals will work on interdisciplinary research projects and be involved in national and international research programs. Three primary geographical locations we are currently working with include: Asia, North America and Tropics.

Position 1: Eco-hydrological modeler. The individual is expected to improve the hydrological module of an extant ecosystem model - the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM), and couple DLEM with land surface model for investigating impacts of global change on water resources at multiple-scales spanning from site to region, from nation to globe. The applicants should possess a degree in hydrology, meteorology, ecology, geography, or earth system science.

Position 2: Land use/vegetation dynamic modeler. The individual is expected to improve the dynamic vegetation module of DLEM to simulate vegetation dynamics or land use/land cover change over time and space in the context of globally changing environment. The applicants should possess a degree in geography, ecology, botany, forestry, or earth system science.

Position 3: Terrestrial ecosystem/Biogeochemical modeler. The individual is expected to develop and improve the DLEM model for investigating biogeochemical cycles (including C, N and P) and GHG emission at regional and continental or global scales. The applicants should possess a degree in biology, soil science, ecology, forestry, agronomy, or earth system science.

Position 4: Computation of Ecosystem and Earth Systems. The individual is expected to work on computational methods for improving the computational efficiency of simulation models of ecosystem, land surface, land use and climate.  The applicants should possess a degree in computer science, applied mathematics or statistics. The applicants have to meet the admission requirements in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Auburn University (http://www.eng.auburn.edu/comp/).

All applicants should have some experience in computer programming (prefer C, C++ or FORTRAN) and spatial analysis with GIS and Remote sensing, good written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated ability to function well within interdisciplinary teams. The annual salary is $18,180 for a PhD candidate. The Graduate Research Assistants will be awarded Tuition Fellowships as well.  Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications, resume, and copies of transcripts, TOFEL, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Hanqin Tian, Alumni Professor, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL 36849. E-mail tianhan@auburn.edu.