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PhD and MS Assistantships in Forestry/Forest Science/Ecology

Employer
School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Location
Houghton, Michigan
Closing date
Dec 14, 2022

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Discipline
Biogeosciences, Global Environmental Change
Career Level
Student / Graduate
Education Level
PhD
Job Type
Internship
Relocation Cost
No Relocation
Sector Type
Academia

Michigan Technological University in collaboration with USDA’s Northern Research Station is launching a research project to study the interactive effects of emerald ash borer (EAB) and terrestrial invasive plants on wetland ecosystems in the Great Lakes region. EAB has been sweeping across the region, where over 2.1 billion ash trees are at risk for die-off. The dying ash trees combined with low diversity of these stands make them prime candidates for invasive plants. These invasive plants further prevent the regeneration of native trees important to maintaining carbon sequestration and healthy ecosystems.

We are seeking applications for a Ph.D. student and a MS student in the areas of forestry, forest science, vegetation science, or ecology. The positions are housed at the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science and are available as early as spring of 2023.

The overall objective is to determine success of natural and artificial tree regeneration and develop an easy-to-use decision matrix tool to restore lowland ash stands to productive forested lands. The study will be conducted in northern Wisconsin using a nested split-plot design with herbicide application and no-herbicide application as the primary treatment, with replicated plots within each stand.

The successful candidate for the PhD position will have a MS degree in forestry, forest science, vegetation science or ecology from an accredited college or university. Required qualifications also include excellent written and oral communication skills, a strong analytical and statistical background, experience in publishing at professional journals, a keen research interest in forest science, and enthusiasm for field studies. Ability of driving independently with a valid US driver’s license and programming with R is desirable at the time of hiring.

The successful candidate for the MS position will have a BS degree in forestry, natural resources, ecology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Excellent communication skills are strongly required. Experience in vegetation surveys and willingness to work in a team in potentially harsh field conditions are preferred. Skills in R and statistical analysis are desirable.

The assistantship covers 3 academic years with waived tuition for the PhD position and 2 academic years with support equivalent to stipend plus tuition for the MS position. To apply, submit a single PDF document with CV, transcripts, statement of research interest and plan, and names and email addresses of three references to Fengjing Liu (fliu7@mtu.edu), Dustin Bronson (Dustin.Bronson@usda.gov) and Randy Kolka (randall.k.kolka@usda.gov) (send to either of them but copy to the other two). Review of applications will start in early December 2022 and continue until candidates are identified. Subsequent application to Michigan Technological University’s Graduate School will be required of successful candidates.

For more information about our graduate programs, visit: www.mtu.edu/forest/graduate/.

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