Graduate Assistantship in Riparian Ecology – South Dakota State University, Department of Natural Resource Management (Brookings, SD)

An assistantship (PhD) is available in the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University for the examination of the distribution and impact of the invasive tree Elaeagnus angustifolia in the northern Great Plains. Although understanding the distribution of this invasive riparian tree is a project requirement, the focus of study on ecological impacts has some flexibility- options include soil nutrients and microbial community, pollinators, birds, and mammals. The student will have the opportunity for spatial modeling, field observations/experiments, and greenhouse/laboratory experiments. The student will be advised by Dr. Lora Perkins with additional mentoring from Dr. Erin Espeland (USDA-ARS).

South Dakota State University is located in Brookings, SD, a town of approximately 20,000 that is about 45 minutes north of Sioux Falls, 4 hours west of Minneapolis, 3 hours south of Fargo, and 3 hours north of Omaha. Year-round outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant.

The successful applicant should have a BS or MS in a relevant field of study, some GIS skills, and interest in biological invasions.

To apply please send a cover letter describing yourself and your interest in grad school and this project, GRE scores, and transcripts (unofficial are fine) to lora.perkins@sdstate.edu. For full consideration, have your materials in by December 9, 2016. Students that are non-traditional or are from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM are encouraged to apply. If you would like more information, please ask!