[fres-jobs-l] Masters Assistantship in forest soils and hydrology, Mississippi State

Department of Forestry

Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab

A graduate research assistantship (Masters Level) at Mississippi State University is available in forest soils. The project will involve examining the relationship of soil nutrients and soil organic matter in a mid-rotation loblolly pine plantation with varying levels of organic matter retention and is supported by the Weyerhaeuser NR Company. This project will offer a unique opportunity to compare 10-year treatment responses to baseline and 5-year measurement data.

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, soil carbon, and advanced organic geochemical techniques to examine soil organic matter. In particular, using these procedures the student will determine the source (e.g. leaf, root, wood) and degradation state of soil organic matter. The student will be responsible for analyzing data, preparing technical reports, presenting results at national conferences, and developing at least one peer-reviewed publication. It is expected that the student will also be involved in other projects within the Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab and Forestry Department thereby providing them with a very broad range of experience and opportunities to collaborate.

Students with a background in forestry, soil science, or environmental science with strong analytical and chemistry-skills are encouraged to apply. Two years of funding are available for this position. MSU is located in Starkville in the northeastern part of Mississippi and has many intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities. The Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab is a dynamic lab studying many aspects of soil and aquatic carbon and nutrient cycling.

Starting Date: May 2010 (Application Deadline: April 1, 2010)

Application: Please send 1) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies are OK initially), 2) CV, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) 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.

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