PhD Position, Paleoecology, Miami University, Ohio

PhD Position, Paleoecology, Miami University, Ohio

Project title: Identifying ecosystem properties promoting stability and resistance: Modeling Late Ordovician paleocommunity dynamics and functioning across the Richmondian Invasion
PI: Dr. Carrie Tyler

Email: tylercl at miamioh.edu

Website: https://www.carrietyler.com

Start date and duration: Fall Semester 2020 for 4 years.

Position description:
I am pleased to announce a PhD fellowship for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person interested in shallow marine Ordovician ecosystems and the effects of invasion on community structure. Background knowledge of quantitative paleoecological data analysis, R, graph theory, network analysis, predator-prey interactions, or Ordovician ecosystems are desirable but not required.

Project description:

The Cincinnati Series (USA) preserves a well-documented influx of species which will be used to construct food web models of shallow marine paleocommunities from the Late Ordovician (Katian) before, during, and after the Richmondian Invasion to test hypotheses determining the effects of biotic immigrations on ecosystem structure and functioning. This project aims to identify changes in ecosystem dynamics resulting from asymmetrical biotic interchange, isolate properties promoting stability and resistance, and make explicit predictions regarding the outcome of Antarctic invasions. This project has a strong programming component, and the successful candidate will be required to develop high competencies in R, particularly with respect to graph theory.

Setting and requirements:
The project is funded by a grant from the NSF grant to PI Tyler, and will provide support in the form of a Research Graduate Assistantship for up to four years contingent upon adequate degree progress. Master students that are graduating over the summer are welcome to apply. More information about Miami University can be found at: https://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/departments/geology/

  
Application requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field prior to start date (geosciences, paleontology or paleobiology or equivalent)
- Eager to acquire new competences and knowledge
- Fluent in English with high competency in writing in English
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, and to work independently

- Ability to write clear scientific reports and disseminate results
- Strong quantitative skills

How to apply:
Please contact Dr. Carrie Tyler (tylercl at miamioh.edu) to discuss your interest in the position and include your CV. The successful candidate will be required to apply for admission to the PhD program at Miami University, more information about graduate admission requirements can be found here:  https://miamioh.edu/graduate-school/admission/index.html