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M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant

A M.S. level or Ph.D. level Research Assistantship is available at the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University.  The selected student will do studies to determine resistance/tolerance of Pinus taeda families using artificial inoculations methods with native and non-native Leptographium species associated with loblolly pine decline and mortality.  Prospective candidates should be highly motivated and have a solid background in Forestry, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Plant Biology, or related field.  Candidates will work closely with Forest Health Cooperative, Southern Forestry Nursery Management Cooperative, Tree Improvement Cooperative, US Forest Service Forest Health Protection, and the Forest Health Dynamics Laboratory at Auburn University. 

Assistantships are $15,540 (MS) per year with tuition fees waived and $18,180 (PhD) per year with tuition fees waived.  This position opens Spring 2009.

 Duties:  

a. Fulfill SWFS educational requirements for graduate students;

b. Participate in project design and planning;

c. Interact with federal, state, and nongovernmental organization managers;

d. Conduct field research/data collection and manage data entry.

e. Analyze data and interpret results;

f. Generate reports for funding sources;

g. Write a thesis and refereed publications.

Qualifications:

a. Prospective Masters students may apply;

b. All applicants must meet SFWS entry requirements;

c. Ability to function independently in a field data collection setting;

d. Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to represent the University, local          communities, and the funding agency when interacting with the public;

e. Motivated by the research topic and enthralled by the quest for knowledge;

f. Excellent organizational skills;

g. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously;

h. Proficiency in the use of computers;

i. Ability to work with others in professional and academic environments;

j. Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings as well as travel to and work      in the field for extended periods of time;

If you are interested, have the background and meet SWFS education requirements for graduate school (http://www.sfws.auburn.edu/gpo/faq.php), please email a copy of your curriculum vitae and a brief statement of research interest to Dr. Lori Eckhardt at eckhalg@auburn.edu. Also mail copies of your most recent transcripts and three recommendation letters to the address provided below.

For more information please contact Dr. Lori Eckhardt, 3301 School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL  36849.  (334) 844-2720 office, (334) 844-1084 fax, or eckhalg@auburn.edu