Position Announcement
Research Associate – Forest Ecology
Position Description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking an outstanding individual as a Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) to assist Drs. Akihiro Koyama and Andrew Vander Yacht on a USDA AFRI grant entitled “Oak Success Under Pine: Using Underlying Mechanisms to Develop Novel Silvicultural Practices in the Lake States Region” in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The researcher will conduct field, lab and modeling exercises to investigate oak seedling success under red pine plantation in Michigan. This will include 1) investigating biotic and abiotic plant‐soil feedbacks under oak and red pine canopies and 2) modeling future ecological and economic tradeoffs of red pine to oak conversions under various climate change and management scenarios. The researcher is expected to mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab and provide instrument and lab safety training. The position will begin as a one‐year appointment with extension available for an additional two years (total of three years) depending on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
Qualifications: The successful candidate must have an earned PhD in forest ecology or related field by the position start date.
Preferred qualifications include experience with modern high‐throughput metagenomics for soil and root microbiomes (sample processing and data analyses), experience with running experiments and advanced statistical analyses under greenhouse and field conditions, documented ability to bring projects to completion (publication record), and evidence of effective independent and collaborative work as well as project management. Additional preference will be given to candidates with experience in forest stand growth simulation modeling. A valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record is required.
Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA.
To Apply: Submit your application online at https://careers.msu.edu to position number 649099. Upload the following required documents:
1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position and research interests, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) a list of three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin 1 July 2020. Desired start date is ideally 1 September 2020, but can be flexible. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Koyama at koyamaak@msu.edu.