*GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT POSITION - NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN RIPARIAN SOILS*
*SUMMARY: *A graduate teaching assistant position at the M.S. level is available in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University. The graduate student will investigate the effects of individual tree species and nitrogen availability on soil microbial dynamics related to the production of nitrous oxide and nitrate in managed riparian soils. The project will employ plot-level field and lab studies of soil processes and properties and microbial functional genes related to N cycling. The goal of the project is to understand and quantify the role that specific tree species and associated soil microbes may have in the abatement of N pollutants, and provide insight into recommendations for tree species to select in riparian plantings for environmental nutrient management. Additional responsibilities will include serving as a Teaching Assistant in the Biology Department. The student will be co- advised by Dr. Charley Kelly and Dr. Timothy Driscoll. *TUITION WAIVER AND STIPEND: *The successful applicant will receive a tuition waiver, a stipend ($6,750 per semester with possibility of additional summer support), and health insurance benefits for the duration of the two-year project, to begin *January or May 2019. * *DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: *A B.S. in soil science, biology, ecology, microbiology, or natural resource-related field, demonstrated lab 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 (ckel...@mail.wvu.edu) and Dr. Timothy Driscoll (timothy.drisc...@mail.wvu.edu). If GRE scores are pending, please state when you plan to take the test. *UNIVERSITY and COMMUNITY: *WVU is located in Morgantown, WV (pop. 31,073) and is routinely recognized as one of the best small college towns in the country (www.wvu.edu). The University’s faculty and active 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, and a local WVU-owned 8,000-acre research forest. -- Charley Kelly, Ph.D West Virginia University Division of Forestry and Natural Resources Visiting Assistant Professor 337 Percival Hall Phone: 304-293-6465
