The University of Idaho Silviculture Lab (housed within the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences) is seeking a highly motivated candidate for graduate research, preferably at the M.S. level, with an interest in silviculture, forest regeneration, or tree improvement. The student will work on a National Science Foundation, Center for Advanced Forestry Systems (CAFS) funded project examining the performance of genetically superior western larch (Larix occidentalis) families in the nursery and in a field experiment testing the interacting effects of pure versus mixed-family plantings, site quality, and competing vegetation intensity. The student is expected to begin January 2017.
The project is a collaboration between the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative and the Intermountain Forestry Cooperative at the University of Idaho. Members of these cooperatives included numerous private, state, and federal organizations that the student will interact with through attendance and presentations at annual meetings. Seedlings will be grown at the University of Idaho Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery, which grows more than 400,000 seedlings per year. The Nursery is conveniently located near the University of Idaho main campus in Moscow, Idaho. Outplanting field sites will be located across the Inland Empire (northeastern Washington to the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains). This assistantship includes a stipend for up to 2 years, a waiver of tuition and fees, and health insurance. Assistantships require 20 hours per week of work related to research, outreach, and teaching. The student will attend the CAFS annual meeting to present project updates. Required qualifications include at least one degree in Forestry, Ecology, or a related discipline, and an interest in improving regeneration success and forest productivity. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to work both independently and as a team member, and be comfortable traveling and working in the field and greenhouse. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or ability to obtain one soon after their initial appointment. Additional qualifications include previous research experience and an interest in working with forest landowners and agencies to improve forest management. Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interest in the position, their resume or curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional or academic references, unofficial transcripts, and scores on the Graduate Record Exam in a single pdf file to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu).
