Graduate Research Assistantship Announcement
School of Natural Resources
University of Missouri
“Silvicultural options for improving the quality and composition of mixed bottomland hardwood forests of Missouri”
A graduate research assistantship at the PhD level is available with Dr. Benjamin Knapp in the School of Natural Resources (http://www.snr.missouri.edu/forestry/) at the University of Missouri. This research project is designed to evaluate the ecological factors limiting oak regeneration in bottomland hardwood forests, determine effects of past silvicultural treatments on bottomland hardwood successional dynamics, and develop silvicultural protocols for regenerating desirable species in this forest type. This research project is a collaborative effort between MU School of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to develop professional experience across organizations.
The duties of this position will include field sampling of bottomland hardwood forests, organization and analyses of data collected previously and by the candidate, and the completion of a dissertation and peer-reviewed publications, as well as the successful completion of the requirements of the degree. Competitive candidates for this position will have a M.S. degree in forestry or a closely related discipline, proficiency in written and oral communication, strong GRE scores, and evidence of scholastic success. Preference will be given to applicants who are self-motivated and enthusiastic about conducting field-based research. The position will be based in Columbia, MO, with field work throughout different bottomland hardwood ecosystems in Missouri. The position is available to begin in August 2018.
The successful candidate will receive tuition support, a competitive stipend (at least $24,000 per year), and health insurance. To apply, please submit the following to Dr. Benjamin Knapp: (knappb@missouri.edu):
1) personal statement of career goals
2) resume or curriculum vitae
3) transcripts
4) GRE scores
5) contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.
Dr. Benjamin Knapp
Assistant Professor
School of Natural Resources
University of Missouri
203S Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building
Columbia MO 65211
Email: knappb@missouri.edu