Applications of Stable Isotopes to air-pollution stress in forests
A postdoctoral position is available at Boyce Thompson Institute
as part of a team evaluating the application of stable isotopes for
assessing complex patterns of ecosystem response to multiple stressors.
The project is currently developed under EPA funding, and will examine
isotopic Œfingerprints¹ including the elements H, C, N, O, & S to
determine whether stable isotopes can uniquely identify how distinct
stressors such as ozone or high levels of nitrogen deposition are
affecting the integration of carbon, water, and nutrient metabolism.
Field-work will occupy 6-8 weeks each summer, and will take place at
Sequoia, Glacier, and Big-Bend National Parks. Isotopic evaluation will
be carried out by project members at the Cornell Laboratory for Stable
Isotope Assessment, located here at the Boyce Thompson Institute (for info
on CLSIA see the website at
http://bti.cornell.edu/WWWCLSIA/CLSIAhome.html). Relevant experience
includes the biogeochemistry of water and nutrient cycling, forest tree
physiology and ecology, water-relations and carbon budget, air-pollution
effects, and the use of stable isotopes in eco-physiological assessment.
Prior hands-on experience working with stable isotopes of one or more of
the above-mentioned elements is essential. The successful applicant will
also be expected to develop his/her own focus on mechanisms of stable
isotope fractionation in a selected process within the broader scope of
the study. Most of the year, work will be based at the Boyce Thompson
Institute for Plant Research, but fieldwork lasting up to two months is
also required. The fieldwork will be conducted under mid-summer
conditions at both montane and humid-desert sites. This field work will
occur in some of the most beautiful spots in North America, but will at
times be arduous. The successful applicant should be physically capable
of lifting 50 lbs, and prepared to maintain vigorous activity under
variable environmental conditions. Applications, including cover letter,
CV, statement of research interests, and names of three references should
be submitted to Dr Jonathan Comstock, Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY
14853; phone: 254-1214; email: jpc8 at cornell.edu. Boyce Thompson Institute
is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
