Department of Forestry PhD Graduate Assistantship in pine-switchgrass biofuel production agroforestry system
The Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University is seeking a PhD graduate research assistant to examine nutrient, carbon, and water cycles in an intercropped loblolly pine-switchgrass system. The objective of the study is to understand the interspecific competition for soil resources with the goal of optimizing the production of biofuels (switchgrass) and timber (loblolly pine), determine the carbon sequestration potential and sustainability of this agroforestry system . This position is an excellent opportunity to prepare the successful candidate for a research position in either academic, governmental, and industrial settings. 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 and soil carbon in the Department's fully equipped soil laboratory (link <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Starkville-MS/MSU-Forest-Soils-and-Hydrol ogy-Lab/307505638143?ref=search> ). The student will be responsible for analyzing samples in the laboratory, data analysis, preparing technical reports, presenting results at national conferences, preparing and presenting a dissertation, and preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication. The student will also be expected to be involved in other projects within the Forest Ecology Lab and the Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab thereby providing them with a 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 MSU. 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 Starting Date: ASAP Students with a Master's degree in forestry, agronomy, soil science, environmental science or other related field are encouraged to apply. Research assistantships include a full tuition waiver, a competitive annual stipend including summer support, health insurance, and thesis research funding for three years. All project-related travel expenses will be covered including giving at least one presentation at a national conference. Application: Please send your CV and contact information for 3 references to either: Dr. Scott Roberts Associate Professor Forest Ecology Lab Department of Forestry Mississippi State University MS State, MS 39762 Phone: 662-325-3044 Email: [email protected] Dr. Jeff Hatten Assistant Professor Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab Department of Forestry Mississippi State University MS State, MS 39762 Phone: 662-325-7481 Email: [email protected] A
