I am seeking a highly motivated MS graduate student to join the Forest and
Fire Ecology research group in the Department of Forestry within the College
of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS). Research in our lab focuses on understanding forest response to changing
disturbance regimes in a variety of forest ecosystems, including
Mississippi, Kentucky, Texas, and Siberia. The student will conduct
extensive field research investigating the influence of fire on upland oak
forest regeneration and consequences of forest compositional shifts on
resource availability and forest flammability at a variety of sites,
including Bowen Farm (MS) and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (KY).
The student will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) but
will act as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course in Dendrology
and/or Ecology during two semesters. The student also will be expected to
assist other researchers in the lab with their projects.
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a
related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for
research, strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail,
and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to
forest and ecosystem ecology is highly desired. Applicants must be in
excellent physical condition and capable of working long hours outdoors
exposed to harsh weather, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. The student
must have data analysis and scientific writing experience and a strong
desire to pursue these non-field related activities. Must also possess a
current and valid driver’s license.
If interested, please email to Dr. Heather Alexander
(heather.alexander@msstate.edu) (1) a cover letter discussing interest in
the research, qualifications, and applicable background experience; (2) a
resume/CV; and (3) unofficial transcripts. Incomplete applications will not
be considered. Details on the full application process to the MSU Graduate
School can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial
support is available for two years, starting in fall 2017, and includes a
stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Review of applications will
begin on February 24, 2017.