GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION IN AGRICULTURAL SOIL HEALTH AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
SUMMARY: A graduate assistant position at the M.S. level is available within the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences at West Virginia University ( www.plantandsoil.wvu.edu). The graduate student will investigate the effects of grazing intensity on soil health (for example, microbial community function and organic matter development), forage quality, as well as the potential for greenhouse gas emissions. The selected applicant will be responsible for performing a broad range of molecular and soil science lab work. This will include but is not limited to, determinations of microbial community activity, root turnover, as well as soil organic matter and plant tissue chemistry. The project will employ simulated grazing experiments at two WVU Farm locations. TUITION WAIVER AND STIPEND: The successful applicant will be awarded a tuition waiver and an annual stipend for the duration of the two-year project, to begin Fall 2016. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A B.S. in biology, soil science, or other natural resource-related field, demonstrated field research experience through undergraduate education or employment, strong data management and analytical skills for laboratory and statistical analyses, strong written and oral communication skills, and a GPA of at least 3.2 during the last two years of school. TO APPLY: In a single pdf document, please send: 1) a current CV; 2) a 1-page statement of your research interests; 3) a short statement of your career goals; 4) unofficial transcripts of all previous education; and 5) current GRE scores to Dr. Charley Kelly ([email protected]). If GRE scores are pending, please state when you plan to take the test. The successful applicant will be co-advised by Drs. Zac Freedman ([email protected]) and Charley Kelly. UNIVERSITY and COMMUNITY: WVU is located in Morgantown, WV (pop. 31,073), which is routinely recognized as one of the best small college towns in the country (www.wvu.edu). The Division’s faculty and graduate student population conduct research in a wide range of natural resource disciplines, and have ready access to West Virginia’s forests and working lands for natural laboratories and recreational activities. WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff and students, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans
