Positions: Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship in Forest Hydrology
Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship in Riparian Forest Ecology
Affiliation: Stephen F. Austin State University, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Job Category: PhD Graduate Research Assistantships
Salary: $25,000 per year, full tuition scholarship, four years of funding.
Start Date: 01/09/2023, or when suitable candidates are identified
Description: We are recruiting two graduate research assistants for the Ph.D. in Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture as part of a large collaborative research project with Harris County Flood Control District in the Houston area. Houston is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country and is making significant investments in green infrastructure to help mitigate the flooding potential associated with urbanization. The team directing this project includes three SFA faculty members, Dr. Jeremy Stovall (Co-PI), Dr. Yanli Zhang (Co-PI), and Dr. Matthew McBroom (Co-PI).
One position (Forest Hydrology) will be under the co-direction of Dr. Matthew McBroom and Dr. Yanli Zhang. The successful candidate for this position will be conducting detailed investigations into how forests can mitigate urban flooding potential when integrated with urban stormwater management practices. Modeling stormwater movement will be a key component of this candidate’s project.
The second position (Riparian Forest Ecology) will be under the co-direction of Dr. Matthew McBroom and Dr. Jeremy Stovall. The successful candidate for this position will collect field data on vegetation and soils and work to estimate leaf area index, interception rates, and other critical data for subsequent modeling efforts. Other M.S. students will be collaborating on other phases and components of this research project. Salary and tuition support are for four years while working towards a Ph.D. degree in Forestry at SFASU.
Start Date: Funding is available for this 12-month position as early as January 2023. Start date is ASAP.
Qualifications: Candidates are required to have Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Forestry, Environmental Science, or related disciplines. This will be a field-based research project involving significant amounts of data collection, including basic measurements of forest structure, precipitation throughfall and stemflow, soil properties and interception rates. The successful candidate must be able to work as part of a team of diverse scholars and individuals towards individual and collective excellence and contribute to an atmosphere of constructive personal and professional development.
Minimum Qualifications: M.S. in Forestry, environmental science, natural resources, ecology, or a closely related discipline Undergraduate and Graduate GPA of 3.0 or greater. Previous field experience. Experience planning and coordinating daily field activities. Experience conducting independent research. Highly motivated with a strong work ethi, A valid US driver license (without restrictions). Experience with GIS Software and GPS
Desired Qualifications: Strong interest in ecohydrology and forest hydrology. Experience with statistical analysis methods and software Experience with technical writing and/or publication
Institutional Information:
Stephen F. Austin State University is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, in the East Texas Pineywoods region approximately 140 miles northeast of Houston and 165 miles southeast of Dallas. With a population of 33,000 residents, Nacogdoches is considered the oldest town in Texas and has a rich historical background dating back to the establishment of Spanish missions in 1721-22. The university is a comprehensive institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service.
University enrollment is currently about 11,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students can choose from 80 degree programs, including 120 areas of study, offered by 6 colleges. Graduate students can earn degrees from 40 master and 4 doctoral programs. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture enrolls about 800 undergraduate and 75 Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy students. The college offers a B.S., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Forestry with major concentrations in Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Human Dimensions, Urban, Fire, and Agroforestry. Students can also earn a B.S. and M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences or Agriculture and a B.S. in Geospatial Science.
Pending legislative approval, Stephen F. Austin State University will join the University of Texas System beginning in the academic year 2023-24. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
At SFA, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is more than words—it is actions. We believe diversity and inclusion are keys to promoting more engaged individuals locally and globally. We at SFA are committed to amplifying a campus culture that nurtures belonging and embraces similarities while celebrating that every Lumberjack will be different. Those differences are valued, acknowledged, and supported purposefully. Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | SFA (sfasu.edu)
EEO Statement:
Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at (936) 468-2304.
To Apply: Please combine the following into a single PDF file: (1) a 1–2-page cover letter that details why you are interested in this position, your most relevant experiences, and your professional goals/aspirations; (2) a Curriculum Vitae; (3) contact information for 3 references (i.e., name, affiliation, email, and phone number); and (4) unofficial transcripts. Send the PDF file as an attachment to mcbroommatth@sfasu.edu with the subject line of the email titled “Forest Hydrology Ph.D. Position” or “Riparian Forest Ecology Ph.D. Position.” Application review will begin immediately upon receipt. Contact Person Matthew McBroom Contact Phone 936.468.2313 Contact eMail mcbroommatth@sfasu.edu
Salary $25,000 per year, full scholarship, four years of funding
Start Date 01/09/2023 Last Date to Apply: June 01/2023