Tennessee State University’s Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is pleased to announce graduate research assistantship to support a M.S. student in conducting research in Forest Ecology. The students will be advised by Dr. Sarah McCarthy-Neumann (sneumann@tnstate.edu ) whose research lab investigates the role of plant-soil feedback (PSF) on forest community dynamics.
The research project is fully funded through USDA-NIFA and focuses on PSF and oak/hickory regeneration failure with one position focused on PSF greenhouse experiment, and the other complementary position focused on a mycorrhizal network field-based experiment. Each assistantship begins with Fall 2023 enrollment and is fully funded 12-month GRA positions for 2 years ($23,000 per year plus fully paid tuition and fees).
We seek applicants with a high level of enthusiasm for field and greenhouse research that contributes to understanding plant-soil feedback as an important mechanism underlying forest community dynamics. The student will have access to substantial existing data from past and ongoing studies, and a network of unique study sites.
Successful applicants will be expected to work independently as well as collaboratively as a member of the research group, develop independent research questions related to the overall project goals, conduct field work sometimes in remote locations, perform detailed laboratory analyses with a high level of precision, and publish research results.
Qualifications:
• A B.S. degree in plant/forest ecology, forestry, environmental science, botany or related field. Previously attained and maintained exceptional academic standing • Strong communication skills (verbal and written) • Experience in report-writing or drafting research articles • A self-motivated, well-organized, adaptive to collaborative work Preference will be given to applicants with: • Experience with running experiments and advanced statistical analysis.
How to Apply:
If interested, please submit the following documents in a single PDG file to Dr. Sarah McCarthy-Neumann (Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology) at sneumann@tnstate.edu & Last Date to Apply: 06/21/2023:
- A letter of interest (maximum 2 pages);
- Curriculum vitae;
- Unofficial copes of transcripts (undergraduate or higher);
- Unofficial GRE scores (and TOEFL scores for international students);
- List of three references (name, title, affiliation, email address, and phone number);
- Publication samples (optional).
Tennessee State University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is committed to promoting diversity in research. Members of underrepresented groups in STEM fields are highly encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants, but only those selected will be contacted.
Contact Person: Dr. Sarah Neumann: Contact Phone: 6159637977 Contact eMail: sneumann@tnstate.edu
Salary: $23,000 per year plus paid tuition and fees
Start Date: 08/21/2023
Last Date to Apply: 06/21/2023
See lab website at https://www.mccarthy-neumannlab.com/.