We seek an MS student with interests in forest ecology, global change, and ecosystem science to help conduct a research project on forest management at the University of Idaho. The goal of the project is to evaluate how harvesting forests to provide woody feedstock for bioenergy production will affect forest carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions relative to "business as usual" management. This work is being conducted in two forest types within the University of Idaho Experimental Forest: young ponderosa pine stands and older mixed conifer forests. The MS student would be responsible for quantifying soil greenhouse gas fluxes (CO2, CH4, N2O) and helping to create an ecosystem budget for carbon and nitrogen in the soil, roots, trees, and woody debris. This is one of several forest bioenergy research projects at the University of Idaho, so the MS student will have the opportunity to engage with a cohort of graduate students with similar research.
Preferred candidates will have experience conducting fieldwork in forests or similar settings, and demonstrated organizational and analytical skills. Funding has been granted for a two-year research assistantship, including tuition and a competitive stipend. Applicants should send 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) a resume that includes contact information for three references, 3) GRE scores, and 4) transcripts to Mark Coleman ([email protected]) and/or Alan Talhelm ([email protected]). We anticipate the student would officially apply to enroll for the winter semester, starting January 2015. However, the project is on-going and funds are available for the student to begin work immediately. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and review will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
