A full-time research assistant position is available in the lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU).
The research assistant will help wrap up part of the final year of a project funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Protection program). The objective of this project is to examine the interactive effects of drought, other climatic factors, and biotic factors (intraspecific competition) on growth and mortality rates in pine forests affected by Diplodia (Diplodia pinea) shoot blight in Michigan. The research assistant will take the lead on field sampling and laboratory work, and will contribute to basic statistical analyses and writing project reports. The research technician will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab and provide supervision of undergraduate assistants. This position will be for a 9-month period starting in December 2012. There is the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and pending the availability of additional grant funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferable. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of at least two references. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by October 8, 2012. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin ([email protected]). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
