PhD Opportunity in Tropical Forest Restoration at Virginia Tech

The Restoration Ecology Lab at Virginia Tech is excited to announce a PhD student position focusing on tropical forest community reassembly in northwestern Ecuador. This unique opportunity allows the successful candidate to contribute to critical ecological restoration research while gaining invaluable field experience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

About the Restoration Ecology Lab

The Restoration Ecology Lab at Virginia Tech is dedicated to improving ecological restoration outcomes through applied research and effective capacity building. Our work spans diverse terrestrial ecosystems, including tropical forests, temperate grasslands, woodlands, and forests. We value strong ecological curiosity, tenacity in pursuing and communicating research, compassion for others within and beyond our team, and diversity of life, culture, discipline, and opinion.

Research Project Overview

This PhD project aims to understand how multitrophic tropical forest community assembly is influenced by three primary factors: the functional composition, diversity, and spatial structure of early-establishing vegetation. The research will leverage the Choconección Experiment, a 25-hectare, locally-led forest restoration initiative in the critically endangered Chocó rain forest, located in the Mache Chindul Mountains of northwestern Ecuador.

Key Research Areas

The role of the PhD student will be tailored to their research interests and may include:

• Regional Seed Dispersal Network Development: Investigate the patterns and processes of seed dispersal across the restoration site and surrounding areas.
• Seed Rain Monitoring: Collect and analyze data on seed deposition rates and patterns to understand the dynamics of forest regeneration.
• Wildlife Observation: Study the impact of restoration efforts on local wildlife populations, their behavior, and interactions with the reassembling forest community.
• DNA Metabarcoding: Use cutting-edge genetic techniques to analyze plant and animal community composition and trophic interactions.
• Vegetation Surveys: Conduct comprehensive surveys to assess the growth, health, and diversity of vegetation in the restoration plots.
• Environmental Monitoring: Monitor abiotic factors such as soil quality, microclimate, and hydrology to understand their influence on restoration outcomes.
• Study Abroad Program Assistance: Contribute to the development and implementation of a new study abroad program, providing students with hands-on restoration experience.
• Workshops for Practitioners: Organize and lead workshops to share research findings and best practices with tropical forest restoration practitioners.

Collaboration and Support

The successful candidate will work closely with local partners, including Fundación Conservación de los Andes Tropicales (FCAT), and will receive support from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This collaborative effort ensures that the research conducted will have a meaningful impact on both local communities and the broader scientific community

.Application Process

If you are passionate about tropical forest restoration and eager to contribute to groundbreaking research, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please send the following documents to Dr. Leighton Reid at jlreid@vt.edu:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Outline your educational background, research experience, and any relevant skills.
• Motivation Letter: Describe your motivation for applying, your relevant experience, and your career goals.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure full consideration.

Contact InformationFor any inquiries or additional information, please contact: Dr. Leighton Reid Email: jlreid@vt.edu

About Virginia Tech's School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech is committed to advancing knowledge in the fields of plant science and environmental stewardship. Our faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research that addresses some of the most pressing ecological and environmental challenges of our time.

Join Us in Making a Difference

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on tropical forest restoration while developing your skills and expertise in a supportive and dynamic research environment. We look forward to receiving your application and embarking on this important journey together.