Graduate Research Assistantship in Wildfire Risk Assessment - South Dakota State University
We are seeking a PhD-level graduate research assistant (GRA) to participate in a study of fuel treatment effectiveness across the continental United States. This project is funded by the USDA/USDI Joint Fire Science Program and involves collaboration between South Dakota State University, the USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS), and the USDA Forest Service. The goal of the project is to apply geospatial datasets and models at a national level to quantify stand- and landscape-scale effects of fuel treatments on fire severity and fire spread. Work involves integrating and analyzing burn severity maps from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity (MTBS) project, fuels and topography data from the LANDFIRE project, and fuel treatment maps obtained from land management agencies. The GRA will have the opportunity to pursue dissertation research associated with one or more aspects of the project, which include field validation of satellite-based fire severity indices, statistical analysis of burn severity patterns, and simulation modeling of fire behavior. Desired qualifications include an M.S. degree in ecology, forestry, geography, or a related field; or a B.S. degree with significant research experience. Strong quantitative skills and experience with GIS are also essential. The GRA will be part of the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence (GIScCE) at South Dakota State University (SDSU). This position will provide an annual salary stipend of $23,690/yr along with discounted tuition for graduate coursework. The cost of living in Brookings, South Dakota is low and South Dakota residents pay no state income tax. Brookings is a thriving college town that offers excellent schools, abundant parks and recreational opportunities, and a variety of community activities. Start date is flexible, but we would prefer a candidate who can enter the program in autumn of 2008. Information on the GIScCE and its researchers can be found at: http://globalmonitoring.sdstate.edu. Information on the Fuel Treatment Effectiveness in the United States project can be found at: http://globalmonitoring.sdstate.edu/projects/ftedis/ Information on the PhD program in geospatial science and engineering can be found at: http://globalmonitoring.sdstate.edu/graduate.php. To apply for this assistantship, please submit electronic copies of the following: (1) Letter of interest describing professional goals, research interests, and qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, (3) transcripts (copies OK), (4) GRE scores (copies OK), and (5) names of three references along with email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses. Review of applications will begin on May 1st 2008 and will continue until the position is filled. Send application materials to: Dr. Michael C. Wimberly Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence Wecota Hall 506B South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 Phone: 605-688-5350 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
