M.S. or Ph. D. Research Assistantships
Ecosystem Services of Native Grasses in Multi-function Landscapes
We are looking exceptional applicants to work across a suite of
multi-disciplinary projects about incorporating and managing native
grass plantings for biofuel and feed in the Southeast. Potential
projects include evaluating the pollinator response to a variety of
production systems and conservation plantings, evaluating Carabid beetle
response to biomass harvests in production forests, and evaluating
forage quality for livestock and/or deer. All projects feature
operational scale experimental units. Collaborators include faculty from
Wildlife and Fisheries, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Animal Science.
Responsibilities: Student(s) will be responsible for conducting field
work including but not limited to insect trapping and identification,
vegetation sampling, measuring pollinator visits and bloom times of key
plant species, supervising field technicians, analyzing data, and
preparing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. Truly
exceptional candidates will have the opportunity to design complementary
projects. There is also potential to serve as teaching assistant for
select courses.
Qualifications: Passion for integrating wildlife objectives into
productive agricultural systems. Experience with insects or plants is
strongly desired. Student must be able to work as part of an integrated
team and be willing to work cooperatively with other students on related
projects.
Starting Date: January 2011 – January 2012 (some flexibility)
Stipend: Starting 15K (M. S.) or 20K (Ph. D.) per annum plus complete
waiver of tuition fees.
Closing Date: Until position is filled.
Application: Submit: 1) transcript(s) and GRE scores (unofficial copies
fine initially), 2) vita, 3) contact information for 3 references, and
4) letter of application which (a) describes your interest in the
position, (b) describes your career goals, and (c) details your work or
educational experience that is most relevant to this position. TO: Dr.
Sam Riffell (Co-Project Leader, [email protected]) and Dr. James
A. Martin (Co-Project Leader, [email protected]).
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Sam Riffell, Associate Professor
Undergraduate Coordinator
Agricultural Ecology Lab
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries,& Aquaculture
Box 9690
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: (662) 325-0392
FAX: (662) 325-8726
Email: [email protected]
Physical Address for overnight shipment:
Rm 213a Thompson Hall
775 Stone Blvd.
Mississippi State, MS 39762
