The Human Dimensions of Forestry Lab at Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) is accepting applications for an MS and a PhD assistantship position to start August 2017. Applicants should be self-motivated and also capable of working as part of a team. The ideal applicant will have experience and interest in qualitative and quantitative social science, as well an interest in modeling. Additional skills for the PhD position include statistical analysis, technical writing, and basic GIS.
The projects associated with these positions are flexible, but will likely focus on 1) The effect of urban forests, green space, and agriculture on public health outcomes; 2) The role of risk and psychological distance in decision making and natural resource management; and 3) The use of ecological momentary assessments to understand environmental behavior. The graduate student can and will develop a project and associated research questions tailored to their interests and intended career path. These positions will be based in the Department of Forestry, but there are opportunities for co-advising in Fish & Wildlife, Plant Soil and Microbial Science, or the Environmental Science and Policy Program depending upon funding availability and the student’s background. The positions will be supported with a stipend (approximately $24,000/year), and paid tuition/benefits. There are additional fellowship opportunities for graduate students at Michigan State University, so please apply to the University’s graduate school by December 1, 2016 to be competitive for these fellowships. To apply for the assistantship, please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, your qualifications, and any specific research areas you hope to pursue at Michigan State, and (2) a CV. Please be sure to include your GPA (undergraduate and graduate), GRE scores (if completed), and contact information for references somewhere within your CV/Resume. Documents should be submitted via email to Dr. Emily Huff at eh...@msu.edu as a single PDF file with the subject heading “Graduate Assistantship Application.” Applications must be received by November 1, 2016 to receive full consideration. MSU is an equal opportunity employer and the Department of Forestry is committed to promoting diversity in research.