A Ph.D. graduate student position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University (WVU).
The general objective of the project associated with this position is the restoration of the historical structure and species composition of mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada region of California. The project will involve determining the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitors and thereby promote the productivity of old-growth trees, reduce the risk of stand replacing fires, and ensure forest resilience to climate change. Dendrochronological analyses will be conducted to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics to provide a target for forest restoration efforts. The position will also involve modeling growth and survival of old-growth trees and young plantations within the Sierra Nevada. The Ph.D. student will primarily be responsible for coordinating, planning and conducting the field and laboratory components of the project, with assistance from field and laboratory technicians. Field work will be conducted in California while lab work and course work will be completed at WVU which is located in Morgantown, WV. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a MS degree. A completed degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working (e.g., rigorous field work) and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.3 in undergraduate and graduate coursework is preferred. Short-listed candidates eventually will be asked to submit a writing sample. The start date for this position is August 2017. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend. Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of three references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). 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 e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin ([email protected]) by April 7, 2017.
