[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant Position in Forest Restoration and Modelling
A research assistant position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University (WVU). The general objective of the project associated with this position is the restoration of the historical structure and species composition of mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada region of California. The project will involve determining the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitors and thereby promote the productivity of old-growth trees, reduce the risk of stand replacing fires, and ensure forest resilience to climate change. Dendrochronological analyses will be conducted to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics to provide a target for forest restoration efforts. The position will also involve modeling growth and survival of old-growth trees and young plantations within the Sierra Nevada. The research assistant will primarily be responsible for conducting the laboratory components of the project and assist with data analyisis and report writing. Secondary roles will include assisting with field research. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a Master’s degree, but those with a Bachelor’s degree and experience with research will also be considered. A completed degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. A background in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Experience with statistical programs and GIS will be considered an assett. Applicants must enjoy working (e.g., rigorous field work) and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.3 in undergraduate and graduate coursework is preferred. The start date for this position is September 2018. The term of the position will initially be for one year, with the possibility of extension of an additional year depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability. Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) contact information of three references. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (sc0...@mix.wvu.edu) by July 20, 2018.
[ECOLOG-L] Master’s Graduate Assistantship in Forest Restoration & Modelling
A Master’s position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University (WVU). The graduate student will primarily conduct field and laboratory work for a project funded by the USDA Forest Service.The general objective of the project is to develop new site index curves for Central Appalachian red spruce by correcting for historical growth suppression. Models will also be developed which relate red spruce site index to the site index of commonly associated species such as American beech, black cherry, red maple, and yellow birch. This will aid in restoration and resiliency efforts for red spruce by providing site quality information in areas where red spruce is absent or where new red spruce habitat is expected due to climate change. Dendroclimatic models will be developed to examine sensitivity of red spruce to past and future climate change. Qualifications: A completed Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. Experience with statistical software packages (e.g., R) and proficiency with GIS would be assets. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working (e.g., rigorous field work) and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.25 in undergraduate coursework is preferred. The start date for this position is May 2018. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend. Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of two references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (sc0...@mix.wvu.edu) by February 9, 2018.
[ECOLOG-L] Master’s Graduate Assistantship in Forest Biometrics & Modelling
A Master’s position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University (WVU). The graduate student will primarily conduct field and laboratory work for a project recently funded by the USDA Forest Service.The general objective of the project is to develop new site index curves for Central Appalachian red spruce by correcting for historical growth suppression. Models will also be developed which relate red spruce site index to the site index of commonly associated species such as American beech, black cherry, red maple, and yellow birch. This will aid in restoration and resiliency efforts for red spruce by providing site quality information in areas where red spruce is absent or where new red spruce habitat is expected due to climate change. Dendroclimatic models will be developed to examine sensitivity of red spruce to past and future climate change. Qualifications: A completed Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. Experience with statistical software packages (e.g., R) and proficiency with GIS would be assets. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working (e.g., rigorous field work) and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.25 in undergraduate coursework is preferred. The start date for this position is January 2018. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend. Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of two references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (sc0...@mix.wvu.edu) by October 9, 2017.
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Position in Forest Restoration and Modelling
A Ph.D. graduate student position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University (WVU). The general objective of the project associated with this position is the restoration of the historical structure and species composition of mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada region of California. The project will involve determining the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitors and thereby promote the productivity of old-growth trees, reduce the risk of stand replacing fires, and ensure forest resilience to climate change. Dendrochronological analyses will be conducted to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics to provide a target for forest restoration efforts. The position will also involve modeling growth and survival of old-growth trees and young plantations within the Sierra Nevada. The Ph.D. student will primarily be responsible for coordinating, planning and conducting the field and laboratory components of the project, with assistance from field and laboratory technicians. Field work will be conducted in California while lab work and course work will be completed at WVU which is located in Morgantown, WV. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a MS degree. A completed degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working (e.g., rigorous field work) and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.3 in undergraduate and graduate coursework is preferred. Short-listed candidates eventually will be asked to submit a writing sample. The start date for this position is August 2017. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend. Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of three references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (sc0...@mix.wvu.edu) by April 7, 2017.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Fellow – Forest Growth Modeling
Postdoctoral Fellow – Forest Growth Modeling (DCANRD 16-0176) The West Virginia University Research Corporation (WVURC) seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Fellow – Forest Growth Modeling in the School of Natural Resources at West Virginia University. The position will be measuring and modeling growth and health of young plantations within mixed-conifer forests. The researcher will be will be responsible for coordinating, planning and conducting the field and laboratory components of the project, with assistance from field and laboratory technicians. A PhD in Forest Biometrics, or a doctorate related to quantitative forest management; and, experience with operating process-based forest models are required. A valid driver’s license is required. Competitive salary and benefits package offered. For a complete job description and to apply for this position, please visit http://hr.research.wvu.edu and click on the “View Jobs” link. AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/E-verify compliant employer In addition, applicants should email as a single PDF: 1) a cover letter detailing qualifications for the position, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) a list of 3 professional references with contact information to Dr. Steve Chhin at steve.ch...@gmail.com. The position will initially be a one- year appointment, with the possibility of an annual extension dependent on satisfactory performance and continued availability of funds. The desired start date is as soon as possible and preferably no later than January 2017.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant Position: Forest Restoration Ecology
Research Assistant Position: Forest Restoration Ecology A full-time research assistant position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu). Background: The research assistant will primarily help complete field and laboratory work for a forest restoration project conducted in mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada region of northern California. The general objective of this project is to determine the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitor tree species and thereby promote the productivity and health of ponderosa pine and sugar pine. The project will also help limit the risk of large-scale, stand- replacing crown fires in this forest region. Field work responsibilities will primarily involve examining post- treatment responses of ecophysiological variables (e.g., leaf water potential, stem sap flow, stable carbon isotopes, automatic dendrometers) and micro-environmental variables (e.g., soil moisture and light). Lab work responsibilities will focus primarily on assisting with dendrochronological analyses to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics and examine sensitivity to climatic stress. Field work will be conducted in California while lab work will be completed at MSU. The research technician will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab. Salary will be commensurate with experience and will include health benefits. This position will be initially for a 1 year period with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and future availability of funding. The preferred start date is December 2015 but the start date is negotiable. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, geography, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working and living outdoors (e.g., camping), be able to comfortably carry at least a 35 lb backpack of field gear, and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate or graduate coursework is preferred. Application materials: Please submit a cover letter, resume (include GPA), and contact information of at least two references. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by November 2, 2015. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu; Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doctoral Position Announcement: Ecophysiologist and Forest Modeler
Post-Doctoral Position Announcement: Ecophysiologist and Forest Modeler Department of Forestry, Michigan State University Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station, is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher for measuring and modeling growth and health of large pine trees as well as young plantations within mixed- conifer forest in California. The researcher will be co-advised by Dr. Sophan Chhin (MSU) and Dr. Jianwei Zhang (USDA FS PSW) and will be responsible for coordinating, planning and conducting the field and laboratory components of the project, with assistance from field and laboratory technicians. Primary responsibilities will be focused on measuring ecophysiological variables of large trees after stand restoration treatments and modelling their growth with process-based models. In addition, the incumbent will also model the development of young mixed conifer plantations. The post- doctoral researcher will be an integral member of an active research team and will be expected to actively participate in publishing and proposal writing, and to contribute to mentoring student researchers involved in the project. The position will begin as a one-year appointment, with annual extensions available for an additional two years depending on satisfactory performance and continued availability of funds. Qualifications: The successful applicant will have: 1) a PhD in forestry, ecophysiology, stable isotopes, or related field; 2) knowledge and experience with operating ecophysiological instrumentation and process- based forest models (e.g., 3-PG); 3) demonstrated success in managing complex projects, including planning and conducting field work to meet multiple research objectives and supervising field and laboratory assistants; and 4) excellent verbal and written communication skills including publishing in peer-reviewed research journals. Location: The location is negotiable. It can be based either at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan or Pacific Southwest Research Station, Northern California, USA. To Apply: Applicants should email as a single PDF: 1) a cover letter detailing qualifications for the position, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a list of 3 professional references with contact information, and 4) three samples of professional writing, to Dr. Sophan Chhin at ch...@msu.edu. Applicants are also required to formally apply for this position at the MSU Job website (https://jobs.msu.edu) for Position # 1919. Application deadline: September 21, 2015. The desired start date is as soon as possible and preferably no later than January 2016. For more information: Contact Dr. Sophan Chhin at ch...@msu.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Graduate Student Position: Forest Health and Restoration Ecology
A Ph.D. graduate student position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu). Background: The sustainability of forest resources in the 21st century will likely be threatened by climate change and induced changes in disturbance regimes. Forest management practices may have the potential to promote resiliency to forest disturbances (e.g., insects, fungal pathogens, fire, climate change). The primary goals of the Chhin lab include promoting forest health to limit forest dieback due to climatic stress, insect outbreaks and fungal pathogens; and restoration of forest historical structure and species composition to reduce fire disturbance risk. The Chhin lab is seeking a Ph.D. graduate student who will help complete field and laboratory work in either forest health or forest restoration projects conducted in either Michigan or northern California. In forest health projects, the general objective is to determine the mechanistic relationships between potential underlying drivers of forest decline including insects, fungal pathogens, and climatic stress. The general objective of forest restoration projects is to determine the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments and prescribed fire to remove shade tolerant competitors and thereby reduce fire risk. Qualifications: Applicants for the PhD position should preferably have completed a MS. A completed degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working (e.g., rigorous field work) and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid drivers license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework is preferred. Short-listed candidates eventually will be asked to submit a writing sample. The start date for this position is May 2015 (preferred date) or August 2015. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend (currently ~ $24,500). Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of three references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration for departmental and university fellowships, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu) and also apply to the MSU Graduate School (http://grad.msu.edu/apply/) by December 1, 2014. Applications for this position will still be accepted until January 31, 2015. For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor, Applied Forest Ecology Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant: Forest Health in the Great Lakes Region
A full-time research assistant position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu). Background: The research assistant will primarily help complete field and laboratory work for a forest health project recently funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Monitoring program). The objective of this project is to determine the mechanism behind white pine decline in the Great Lakes region. White pine decline was first detected in 2006 in the north- central Lower Peninsula region of Michigan, and by 2012 this decline syndrome has advanced northwards into the Upper Peninsula region. White pine decline has been primarily associated with predisposition due to climatic stress, stem and branch cankers induced by fungal pathogens (primarily Diplodia spp.), pine spittlebug (Aphrophora parallela), and presence of cankers is commonly found under lichens, but the exact mechanistic relationships between these potential underlying factors requires further investigation. The research assistant will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab. This position will be initially for a 1 year period (starting in August 2014) with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self- motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferred. Application materials: Please submit a cover letter, resume (include GPA), and contact information of at least two references. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by June 1, 2014. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu; Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant: Forest Restoration Ecology
A full-time research assistant position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu). Background: The research assistant will primarily help complete field and laboratory work for a forest restoration project conducted in the mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada region of California. The general objective of the project is to determine the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitors and thereby promote the productivity and health of the remaining trees. Prior to treatment application, dendrochronological analyses will be conducted to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics which will also be related to the impact of past climate and disturbances. Post-treatment responses in physiological variables, micro-environmental variables, and growth and stand development will also be examined. Field work will be conducted in California while lab work will be completed at MSU. The research technician will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab. This position will be initially for a 1 year period (starting in June 2014) with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self- motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferred. Application materials: Please submit a cover letter, resume (include GPA), and contact information of at least two references. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by April 1, 2014. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Student Position (PhD or MS): Forest Restoration Ecology
Graduate Student Position (PhD or MS): Restoration of mixed-conifer forest in the Sierra Nevada of California A Ph.D. or Master’s level graduate student position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu). Background: The graduate student will help complete field and laboratory work for a forest restoration project conducted in the mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada region of California. Prior to the policy of fire suppression in this region, forests were more open and contained lower stand density. Fires historically burned more frequently than today and were predominantly understory fires. Today, forests in this region have increased in the density of shade tolerant tree species. The high density stands are considered a risk for large-scale, high intensity, stand replacement fires, especially in the context of future climate warming. Thinning treatments are needed to help restore these forests to their pre- fire suppression state, and help reduce fire risk. The general objective of the project is to determine the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitors and thereby promote the productivity and health of the remaining trees. Prior to treatment application, dendrochronological analyses will be conducted to reconstruct historical forest stand dynamics which will also be related to the impact of past climate and disturbances. Post-treatment responses in physiological variables (e.g., photosynthesis, stable carbon isotopes), micro-environmental variables (e.g., temperature, precipitation, snowfall), and growth and stand development will also be examined. Field work will be conducted in California while lab work and course work will be completed at MSU. This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend (PhD stipend is currently ~ $24,500 and MS is ~ $22,000). Qualifications: Applicants for the PhD position should have completed a MS. Applicants for the MS position should have completed a BS. A completed degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. Applicants must enjoy working and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework is preferred. Short-listed candidates eventually will be asked to submit a writing sample. The start date for this position is May 2013 (summer semester) but preference will be given to applicants who can start 1-2 months earlier to assist with the field work planning. Application materials: Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of three references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration for departmental and university fellowships, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu) and also apply to the MSU Graduate School (http://grad.msu.edu/apply/) by December 1, 2013; preference will be given to applicants who can meet this deadline. Otherwise, please submit your application by January 13, 2014. For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor, Applied Forest Ecology Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Student Position: Early Detection of Forest Health Threats
A Master’s level graduate student position is available in the Applied Forest Ecology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin (www.msu.edu/~chhin) in the Department of Forestry (www.for.msu.edu) at Michigan State University (MSU) (www.msu.edu). The graduate student will primarily conduct field and laboratory work for a project recently funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Protection program). The general objective of the project is to promote field-based application of non-destructive technologies that will allow rapid, early detection of emerald ash borer (EAB) in the Great Lakes region. Non-destructive technologies that will be examined include acoustic tomography and infrared thermography. The preferred start date for this position is May 2013 (summer semester) but applicants starting in August 2013 (fall semester) will also be considered. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferred. Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of three references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants). Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration for departmental and university fellowships please submit application material by December 10, 2012 and also apply to the MSU Graduate School (http://grad.msu.edu/apply/) by December 14, 2012. Otherwise, please submit your application by February 1, 2013. Please e- mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor, Applied Forest Ecology Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant: Climate Change and Forest Health
A full-time research assistant position is available in the lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU). The research assistant will help wrap up part of the final year of a project funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Protection program). The objective of this project is to examine the interactive effects of drought, other climatic factors, and biotic factors (intraspecific competition) on growth and mortality rates in pine forests affected by Diplodia (Diplodia pinea) shoot blight in Michigan. The research assistant will take the lead on field sampling and laboratory work, and will contribute to basic statistical analyses and writing project reports. The research technician will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab and provide supervision of undergraduate assistants. This position will be for a 9-month period starting in December 2012. There is the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and pending the availability of additional grant funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferable. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of at least two references. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by October 8, 2012. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant: Early Detection of Forest Health Threats
A full-time research assistant position is available in the lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU). The research assistant will primarily conduct field and laboratory work for a project recently funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Protection program). The general objective of the project is to promote field-based application of non-destructive technologies that will allow rapid, early detection of emerald ash borer (EAB) in the Great Lakes region. The research technician will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab and provide supervision of undergraduate assistants. This position will be initially for a 1 year period (starting in November 2012) with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is desirable. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of at least two references. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by September 18, 2012. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University Natural Resources Building 480 Wilson Road, Room 126 East Lansing, MI 48824 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant: Climate Change and Forest Health
Research Assistant: Climate Change and Forest Health A research assistant position is available in the Silviculture and Dendrochronology lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU). The research assistant will primarily conduct field and laboratory work for a project funded by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Health Monitoring program). The objective of this project will be to examine the interactive effects of drought, other climatic factors, and biotic factors (intraspecific competition) on growth and mortality rates in pine forests affected by Diplodia (Diplodia pinea) shoot blight in Michigan. The research technician will also provide assistance on other projects in the Chhin lab. The period of the position is from September 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 and will involve working 40 hrs/week. Salary will depend on experience but will be at least $11/hour. Qualifications: Applicants should preferably have completed a BS in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field. Advanced undergraduates will also be considered. Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong communication skills. A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is desirable. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by August 23, 2011. Please e-mail all application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (ch...@msu.edu). For further information, please contact: Dr. Steve Chhin Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Tel: (517) 353-7251 Fax: (517) 432-1143 E-mail: ch...@msu.edu Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/