A Ph.D. assistantship is available in sustainability of biomass/
biofuel utilization in the mixed forest/agriculture landscapes in
Michigan. This position will investigate core questions necessary for
social, economic, ecological and environmental viability of emerging
industries and expanded utilization of forests and agriculture lands.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to be involved in
one or more ongoing research efforts which include biomass feedstock
inventory, availability and supply estimation, GIS and Remote Sensing
based models of biomass stocks, energy crop cultivation regimes,
ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycles and inventory and carbon
sequestration in native and cultivated forests and production systems
using switchgrass.
A background in forestry, ecosystem science, soil science, or agrology
is required, as well as interest in application of statistical or
quantitative methods in scientific investigations. Experience with GIS
and remote-sensing techniques is ideal but strong interest will
suffice. Proficiency in spoken and written English is an absolute
necessity. The assistantship comes with a competitive stipend and
covers the cost of tuition and fees. Supplementary support including
discretionary travel funds is anticipated for very strong candidates.
Michigan Tech is one of the Nation’s premier Forestry and
Environmental Science Universities. The School of Forest Resources
and Environmental Science has been ranked fourth in the nation for
scholarly productivity among forestry schools, and first in North
America based on citations per faculty member. Well-established
partnerships with the USDA Northern Research Station and the Northern
Institute for Applied Carbon Science enhance opportunities for
scholarly collaboration. The university is located in the Houghton,
Michigan near the shores of Lake Superior, and offers superb outdoor
recreation opportunities in a modern, safe small city community.
The start date is fall semester 2009. Interested persons should send a
short cover letter, GRE scores, one-page statement of professional
interests, curriculum vitae including names and contact information
for two references, and any other relevant materials to Dr. Froese by
email at fro...@mtu.edu. Review of applications will begin on July 1,
2009.
Michigan Tech is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal
opportunity employer.
--
Robert Froese, PhD, RPF
Associate Professor, School of Forest Resources and Environmental
Science
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
Email: fro...@mtu.edu; Voice: 906-487-2723; Cell: 906-370-7285; Fax:
906-487-2915
