A Ph.D. assistantship beginning Fall 2017 in the School of Renewable Natural Resources at LSU is available to work on the effects of drought and altered hydrology on floodplain forest (bottomland hardwood) regeneration. Dams, channel entrenchment, levees, and other geomorphic and hydrologic modifications to rivers in the southeast have influenced groundwater and surface water processes in floodplain forests of the southeast. These modifications, along with drought and stand conditions, have in some cases resulted in acute tree mortality and altered tree species composition. Floodplain forests are integral components of large-scale conservation efforts in the southeastern U.S. and an improved understanding of hydrologic and regeneration processes in these systems is needed to insure effective conservation and management. This study would be conducted on multiple wildlife management areas in east Texas; another Ph.D. student would focus on surface and subsurface hydrologic processes. In addition, the selected student would be part of a research group working on floodplain issues in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley.

The ideal candidate will have an M.S. in wildlife, forestry, ecology, or related field. An understanding of wetlands and forest ecology are highly desired. Ability to work in interdisciplinary research groups is a must as is a strong-work ethic. Field conditions can be hot and humid, thus tolerance for adverse conditions is needed.

To apply, please send a CV, GRE scores, copies of transcipts, and names and contact information for 3 references to Sammy King (http://www.rnr.lsu.edu/people/king/default.htm) at sking16@lsu.edu. Candidates will be selected by 15 May.