Does local co-adaptation between rhizobia (symbiont) and legumes affect the host plant’s resilience to environmental stress?

Land mined for coal is commonly reclaimed as grasslands following mining and represents over 60,000 ha of potential habitat for conservation. Reclamation was not federally mandated until 1977 (SMCRA), and sites mined prior to that year were often abandoned with little environmental remediation. This history affects the current ecological function of these habitats. The objective of this project is to identify the effect of local co-adaptation on the rhizobial-legume mutualism in recovering mine land pre- and post- SMCRA.

Research assistant will be based at The Wilds (Cumberland, OH) Monday - Friday and housing will be provided. Work will involve frequent day trips around Eastern OH, often on dirt roads. Responsibilities include: plant care, measurement, and observation; vegetation surveys; and driving a 4WD vehicle on dirt roads. Driver’s license and willingness to drive a truck on rough dirt roads. A personal vehicle is required but will not be used for field work.

$13/hour for 20-38 hrs/week. In addition, housing will be provided, and the research assistant can participate in the apprentice program at the Wilds (gain experience working in wildlife ecology).

Apply by April 13th for best consideration.