Research Assistant Position: Forest Restoration Ecology 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 restoration project conducted in mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada region of northern California. The general objective of this project is to determine the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitor tree species and thereby promote the productivity and health of ponderosa pine and sugar pine. The project will also help limit the risk of large-scale, stand- replacing crown fires in this forest region. Field work responsibilities will primarily involve examining post- treatment responses of ecophysiological variables (e.g., leaf water potential, stem sap flow, stable carbon isotopes, automatic dendrometers) and micro-environmental variables (e.g., soil moisture and light). Lab work responsibilities will focus primarily on assisting with dendrochronological analyses to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics and examine sensitivity to climatic stress. Field work will be conducted in California while lab work will be completed at MSU. The research technician will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab. Salary will be commensurate with experience and will include health benefits. This position will be initially for a 1 year period with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and future availability of funding. The preferred start date is December 2015 but the start date is negotiable. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, geography, 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), be able to comfortably carry at least a 35 lb backpack of field gear, and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate or graduate 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 November 2, 2015. 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/
