The Department of Forestry, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, is seeking a MS graduate student and research assistant to examine soil and hydrological properties in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV). The primary objective of this project is to determine the soil (e.g. soil texture, organic matter) and hydrological (e.g. hydroperiod, sedimentation rates) properties that may be important for acorn production. This research will be used to understand acorn availability to wintering ducks and other wildlife in the MAV. The candidate for this position will have the opportunity to work with soil scientists, hydrologists, bottomland hardwood silviculturalists, and wildlife ecologists in the Departments of Forestry and Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (www.cfr.msstate.edu).
Responsibilities: Candidate will work with a team of 2-3 other PhD and MS students to sample soils/sediment and measure soil and hydrological properties and collect acorns on a monthly basis. Laboratory work will include the assessment of soil organic matter and texture in the Department of Forestrys fully equipped soil laboratory (https://sites.google.com/site/msuforestsoils/). The student will be responsible for completing ≥24 credits of course work, analyzing samples in the laboratory, data analyses, preparing progress reports, presenting results at national conferences, preparing and presenting a thesis, and preparing and submitting a manuscript(s) for publication. The student will also be expected to be involved in other projects within 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 east-central Mississippi and has many intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities on and off campus. 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. Nearby venues include the John W. Starr Memorial Forest, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), and the Tombigbee National Forest. Additionally, the selected student will travel with the research team throughout the MAV and collect samples from national wildlife refuges and forests in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. 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: June-August 2011 Students with a Bachelors degree in wildlife, forestry, agronomy, soil science, environmental science or other related fields are encouraged to apply. An interest in ecology, soils, hydrology, and wildlife (waterfowl) and the ability to conduct field work are required. Research assistantships include a full tuition waiver, a competitive annual stipend including summer support, health insurance, and thesis research funding for two years. Application: Please send 1)copies of transcripts, 2) CV or resume, 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.   Dr. Jeff Hatten 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]
