Ph. D. or MS Research Assistantship Effects of biomass production on birds and plant communities in managed pine forests of east-central Mississippi This is an operational-scale experiment to evaluate wildlife and vegetation response to switchgrass intercropping within intensively managed pine forests in Mississippi. Applicant will work during years 4 - 6 of the experiment.
Responsibilities: Student will be responsible for conducting field work (bird counts, nest searches, sampling other vertebrates, and vegetation sampling), supervising field technicians, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. Student will be expected to develop additional hypotheses related to behavior, habitat selection, and ecology of birds; deer forage availability; or insect community response for thesis or dissertation. Transportation and housing in the field will be provided. There is also potential to serve as teaching assistant for courses in the applicant’s expertise. Qualifications: B.S. and/or M.S. in ecology, wildlife management, or related field. Applicant must be willing to work under a wide range of inclement conditions (cold and hot) in the presence of biting insects and venomous snakes. Experience nest searching and/or plant identification is strongly desired. Experience with other vertebrate communities and quantitative skills are also desirable. Student must be willing to work cooperatively with other students on related projects. Starting Date: Flexible, August 2013 – May 2014 Stipend: Starting $23,500 (Ph.D.), $16,500 (MS) per annum plus complete waiver of tuition fees. Closing Date: Until position is filled. Inquiry emails are welcomed and should be directed to Dr. Sam Riffell (sriff...@cfr.msstate.edu). Application: Submit (preferably by email): 1) transcript(s) and GRE scores (unofficial copies fine initially), 2) vita, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) letter of application which (a) describes your interest in the position, (b) describes your career goals, and (c) details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position. To: Dr. Sam Riffell, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762. MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER -- Sam Riffell, Associate Professor Undergraduate Coordinator Agricultural Ecology Lab Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Aquaculture Box 9690 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS 39762 Phone: (662) 325-0392 FAX: (662) 325-8726 Email: sriff...@cfr.msstate.edu Physical Address for overnight shipment: Rm 213a Thompson Hall 775 Stone Blvd. Mississippi State, MS 39762
