Opportunities

Page last updated August 21, 2009.

For prospective graduate students/posdoctoral candidates

General Information

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to peruse the research pages on the lab web site for an overview of current research projects. Our lab group is diverse, but we share a common theme of asking ecological questions in a spatial context.  We study spatial heterogeneity, its causes and how it affects a variety of different ecological responses, often at broad scales. Students often employ both empirical (largely field-based) and modeling approaches in their research, and publication in the peer-reviewed literature is expected. We have a collaborative, congenial and very interactive group of students, postdocs, and undergrads in the lab. Feel free to read the comments from former lab members on our "Lab Legacies" page.

Current Openings

Positions are available in 2010 for a postdoctoral associate and PhD student to join a project focused on interactions between fire and bark beetles as part of our long-term research effort in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. With funding from the Joint Fire Science Program, we will use field studies, remote sensing and simulation modeling to understand how bark beetle infestation affects fire hazard in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii).

The postdoctoral associate will lead field studies of post-beetle fuel profiles and future fire hazard in Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests; simulate effects of a range of common forest management practices on future fire hazard using the Forest Vegetation Simulator model; conduct statistical and GIS-based data analyses; and communicate research orally and through peer-reviewed journal articles. The successful candidate will also assist with project management and field logistics and interact with project personnel, including Professors Bill Romme and Phil Townsend. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in ecology or a related field prior to appointment. Candidates should have experience in forest ecology, landscape ecology and GIS; field and modeling experience (or strong quantitative skills) are also desired. Candidates should work well in a collaborative setting, enjoy fieldwork in remote locations and have excellent communication and writing skills.

Ideally, this 2-yr position will begin in Spring 2010, with enough time to prepare for a full field season during 2010; summer fieldwork in Yellowstone is required. Candidates should send their CV, a sample of representative publications, a one-page statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of three references. Review of applicants will begin 15 October 2009; position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Application packages (electronic only) should be sent to Dr. Monica G. Turner (turnermg @ wisc.edu).

The PhD student will develop a dissertation that includes field studies of how spatial variation in fire severity across the landscape relates to pre-fire beetle infestation. Severity of recent fires will be compared in forests with and without pre-fire beetle activity, and forest regeneration will be evaluated in areas affected by either or both disturbances. Funding will be available on a TA during the academic year and RA during the summers. Candidates should have an excellent academic background, work well in a collaborative setting and enjoy fieldwork in remote locations. Prior field research experience in forests is desirable. The successful candidate must be able to begin field studies during summer 2010. Interested candidates should communicate with Dr. Turner prior to applying for admission to the Zoology Department (due 31 December 2009).

Future opportunities for PhD students, pending availability of funding, may include another opening on vegetation, disturbance, climate and ecosystem processes in Greater Yellowstone, and/or land-water interactions and ecosystem services in Wisconsin landscapes. I will not have openings for the project on climate and land-use change in the Southern Appalachians, which is part of the Coweeta LTER program, in the near future because those positions are filled.

Graduate study in the Turner lab – what should you expect?

Our lab group is collaborative and very interactive, with an atmosphere that is both challenging (with respect to our science) and supportive. We have informal but regular weekly lab meetings at which we cover a variety of topics, including: discussing prospective questions and approaches for students in the phase of developing their research; reviewing data, statistical analyses and interpretation of results for projects that are underway; practicing our conference presentations or reviewing drafts of posters; discussing current papers of general interest; reviewing different topics relevant for professional development; and, of course, eating lunch (or doughnuts!) Although each student is leading his/her own projects and papers, frequent exchanges of ideas is a critical part of science; we have a number of close collaborators at other institutions. We also get together throughout the year for fun—lab potlucks are always rather delicious.

I am an involved advisor, but not a micro-manager; self-motivation is key to success in science, but this is not a “sink or swim” environment. I work very closely with students as they develop their research ideas, and especially in the writing (and re-writing!) of research proposals and manuscripts. Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals is expected, with most students producing 3-4 published papers from their dissertations.

A number of students in the lab have received national fellowships (e.g., NSF, DOE, EPA-STAR, NSERC), and many have obtained small grants that help to support their studies. Students in the lab have also been involved in a variety of leadership opportunities on campus (e.g., graduate student rep to departmental committees or to Wisconsin Ecology) and in professional societies (e.g., graduate student rep to US-IALE). Students typically complete their PhD in 4-5 years, including 2-2.5 years of coursework.

Prospective students are also welcome to email Professor Turner directly and as well as to contact current or former students with questions.  Please also see the web pages for the Zoology Department, Madison Ecology Group, and The UW Graduate School.

Undergraduate independent study projects for credit

Contact Professor Turner for more information.

Undergraduate student hourly positions

Contact Professor Turner for more information