The Department of Natural Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Oklahoma, seeks a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team. This position focuses on studying forest health and resilience to disturbance and stress such as climate change, pests, and pathogens at the regional, national, and global scales. The selected candidate will be co-advised by Dr. Jia Yang and Dr. Bryan Murray and work in a multidisciplinary environment alongside experts in forest measurement, climate change, ecosystem modeling, GIS and remote sensing. This student will engage in cutting-edge research that contributes to the development of new management strategies that increase forest health and productivity.
*Responsibilities:* - Conduct research to identify forest health conditions in Oklahoma and Southeast United States. - Evaluate and develop management practices to enhance forest resilience. - Prepare presentations, reports, and manuscripts for conferences and peer-reviewed publications. - Serve as Teaching Assistant for one course per year. *Qualifications:* - Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, geography, earth science, or a related field. - Minimum GPA of 3.0 (as required by the Department and Graduate College) - Strong quantitative and analytical skills. - Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. *Preferred Skills:* - Proficiency in coding and data analysis using Python, R, or similar programming languages. - Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. *Assistantship Details:* - Annual salary of $26,000. - Tuition waiver for both resident and non-resident students. - Start date: Summer or Fall 2025. *Institutional Information:* Oklahoma State University is classified as an R1: Doctoral Universities, i.e., “very high research activity”, in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university is a land grant institution with an enrollment of about 25,000 students located midway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. *Application Process:* To apply, please send the following materials to Dr. Jia Yang at jia.yan...@okstate.edu 1. A cover letter outlining your research interests, skills, and motivation for this position. 2. A detailed CV or resume. 3. Contact information for two academic or professional references. 4. Unofficial transcripts. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. *Contact Information: * Dr. Jia Yang Assistant Professor of Ecosystem Modeling and Climate Change Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA E-mail: jia.yan...@okstate.edu Dr. Bryan Murray Associate Professor of Forest Management and Spatial Technology Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA E-mail: bryan.mur...@okstate.edu To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
