Department of Forestry Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab
Masters Graduate Assistant Opening Summer or Fall 2010 A graduate research assistantship (Masters or PhD Level) at Mississippi State University is available in forest soils. The project will involve examining the relationship of soil nutrients, carbon, water, and temperature in a mid-rotation loblolly pine plantation with varying levels of organic matter retention. 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 the source and degradation state of soil organic matter. The student will be responsible for analyzing data, preparing technical reports, presenting results at national conferences, 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. MSU is located in Starkville in the northeastern part of Mississippi and has many intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The temperate climate of Starkville allows residents to enjoy many year-round outdoor recreation options including mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, canoeing, golfing, hunting, fishing, and bird watching. Opportunities to experience the outdoors include the John W. Starr Memorial Forest, Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, and the Tombigbee National Forest, which are all within a 20 minute drive of downtown. Starkville and MSU also have a strong devotion to the arts with the MSU Lyceum Series that brings all the fine arts together throughout the school year, and the Starkville Community Theater Company which holds performances year-round. More information on MSU and Starkville can be found at: http://www.msstate.edu/web/about_us2.php Students with a background in forestry, soil science, biology, or environmental science are encouraged to apply. The Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab is a growing lab studying many aspects of soil and aquatic carbon and nutrient cycling. Starting Date: May to August 2010 Salary: Graduate research assistantship stipend commensurate with experience, health insurance, a 100% tuition waiver, and thesis research funding will be provided to the successful candidate. All project-related travel expenses will be covered including giving at least one presentation at a national conference. Application: Please send (by March 1, 2010) 1) transcripts and/or GRE scores (unofficial copies are OK initially), 2) CV, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) a 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] Dr. Eric Sucre Sustainability Scientist Southern R & D Weyerhaeuser NR Company Phone: 252-229-4660 Email: [email protected] Assistant Professor of Forest Soils and Hydrology Mississippi State University Department of Forestry 775 Stone Boulevard, Box 9681 Mississippi State, MS 39762 Office: 662-325-7481 Fax: 662-325-8726 email: [email protected]
