Research assistant position in forestry (USA) ~ Bioblogia.net

8 de mayo de 2014

Research assistant position in forestry (USA)

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
(chhin@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: chhin@msu.edu; Web: https://www.msu.edu/~chhin/

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