Undergraduate Research Assistant: Forest Health in the Great Lakes Region
An undergraduate research assistant position is available in the lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU). The undergraduate assistant will primarily conduct field and laboratory work for a project funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Protection program). The objective of this project is to determine the mechanism behind white pine decline in the Great Lakes region. The undergraduate research assistant will assist with laboratory work (MSU campus) and field sampling (Hiawatha National Forest of Michigan). The research technician will also provide assistance on other applied ecology projects in the Chhin lab. Training and field equipment will be provided. This position will be for a 4 month period from May 2016 to August 2016. During the Summer 2016 semester, the work schedule will be on average 40 hrs/week. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Qualifications: All sophomore, junior, or senior students currently enrolled in an academic program at Michigan State University related to forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, entomology or a similarly related natural resource field are welcomed to apply. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated and possess a strong work ethic. 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. Intensive field sampling will be conducted during the Summer 2016 semester with trips expected to last an average of 3 weeks at a time. Candidates must be willing and able to travel long distances, camp outdoors on occasion, do physically demanding work, and work in hot or otherwise uncomfortable conditions. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Please submit a cover letter, resume with major and GPA, and contact information of two references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by March 18, 2016. Please e-mail all application material to Katie Minnix ([email protected]). For further information, please contact: Katie Minnix Graduate Student Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 168 East Lansing, MI 48824 E-mail: [email protected]
