A full-time research assistant position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu).
Background: The research assistant will primarily help complete field and laboratory work for a forest health project recently funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Monitoring program). The objective of this project is to determine the mechanism behind white pine decline in the Great Lakes region. White pine decline was first detected in 2006 in the north- central Lower Peninsula region of Michigan, and by 2012 this decline syndrome has advanced northwards into the Upper Peninsula region. White pine decline has been primarily associated with predisposition due to climatic stress, stem and branch cankers induced by fungal pathogens (primarily Diplodia spp.), pine spittlebug (Aphrophora parallela), and presence of cankers is commonly found under lichens, but the exact mechanistic relationships between these potential underlying factors requires further investigation. The research assistant will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab. This position will be initially for a 1 year period (starting in August 2014) with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. 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. Applicants must enjoy working and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferred. Application materials: Please submit a cover letter, resume (include GPA), 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 June 1, 2014. 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/
