Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University
PhD Graduate Assistantship – Competitive Relations in a Pine-Switchgrass Co-culture
The Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University is seeking a PhD graduate research assistant to examine nutrient, carbon, and water cycles in an intercropped loblolly pine-switchgrass system. The objective of the study is to understand the interspecific competition for soil resources with the goal of optimizing the production of biofuels (switchgrass) and timber (loblolly pine). This position is an excellent opportunity to prepare the successful candidate for a research position in either academic, governmental, and industrial settings.
Responsibilities: Monthly field visits to sample soils, and assess above and below ground productivity, soil nutrients, and soil moisture. Laboratory work will include the assessment of soil nutrients and soil carbon in the Department’s fully equipped soil laboratory. The student will be responsible for analyzing samples in the laboratory, data analysis, preparing technical reports, presenting results at national conferences, preparing and presenting a dissertation, and preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication. The student will also be expected to be involved in other projects within the Forest Ecology Lab and the Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab thereby providing them with a broad range of experience and opportunities to collaborate.
MSU is located in Starkville in the northeastern part of Mississippi and has many intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The temperate climate of Starkville allows residents to enjoy many year-round outdoor recreation options including mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, canoeing, golfing, hunting, fishing, and bird watching. Opportunities to experience the outdoors include the John W. Starr Memorial Forest, Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, and the Tombigbee National Forest, which are all within a 20 minute drive of downtown. Starkville and MSU also have a strong devotion to the arts with the MSU Lyceum Series that brings all the fine arts together throughout the school year, and the Starkville Community Theater Company which holds performances year-round. More information on MSU and Starkville can be found at: http://www.msstate.edu/web/about_us2.php
Starting Date: August 2010
Students with a Master’s degree in forestry, soil science, environmental science or other related field are encouraged to apply. Research assistantships include a full tuition waiver, a competitive annual stipend including summer support, health insurance, and thesis research funding for three years. All project-related travel expenses will be covered including giving at least one presentation at a national conference.
Application: Please send (by March 1, 2010) 1) transcripts and/or GRE scores (unofficial copies are OK initially), 2) CV, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) a letter of application which (i) describes your interest in the position, (ii) describes your career goals, and (iii) details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Scott Roberts
Associate Professor
Forest Ecology Lab
Department of Forestry
Mississippi State University
MS State, MS 39762
Phone: 662-325-3044
Email: sroberts@cfr.msstate.edu
Dr. Jeff Hatten
Assistant Professor
Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab
Department of Forestry
Mississippi State University
MS State, MS 39762
Phone: 662-325-7481
Email: jhatten@cfr.msstate.edu
