Mississippi State University - Department of Forestry Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab
A graduate research assistantship (Masters Level) at Mississippi State University is available in forest soils. The project will involve examining the relationship of soil nutrients and soil organic matter in a loblolly pine forest. Responsibilities: Monthly field visits to sample soils, and assess above and below ground productivity, soil nutrients, and soil moisture. Laboratory work will include the assessment of soil nutrients, soil carbon, and advanced organic geochemical techniques to examine soil organic matter. In particular, using these procedures the student will determine the source (e.g. leaf, root, wood) and degradation state of soil organic matter. The student will be responsible for analyzing data, preparing technical reports, presenting results at national conferences (e.g. American Geophysical Union, Soil Science Society of America, Ecological Society of America), and developing at least one peer-reviewed publication. It is expected that the student will also be involved in other projects within the Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab and Forestry Department thereby providing them with a very broad range of experience and opportunities to collaborate. Students with a background in forestry, soil science, or environmental science with strong analytical and chemistry-skills are encouraged to apply. MSU is located in Starkville in the northeastern part of Mississippi and has many intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The open spaces of Tombigbee National Forest, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, and Tombigbee Waterway provide outdoor recreation within a 30 minute drive of Starkville. Activities in these areas include mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, boating, and fishing. Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab is a dynamic lab studying many aspects of soil and aquatic carbon and nutrient cycling. Starting Date: May or August 2010 Two years of funding are available for this position. Starting salary is $15,000+ per year (depending on experience) and includes tuition and health insurance. Application: Please send 1) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies are OK initially), 2) CV, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) letter of application which (i) describes your interest in the position, (ii) describes your career goals, and (iii) details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position. For more information please contact: Dr. Jeff Hatten Forest Soil and Hydrology Lab Department of Forestry Mississippi State University MS State, MS 39762 Phone: 662-325-7481 Email: [email protected]
