MS Assistantship position: Temperate and tropical forest canopy response to climate change

Seeking outstanding applicants for a Master of Science Assistantship investigating the effects of climate change on tropical forests. Student will address critical questions about temperate and tropical tree physiological responses to global warming. Field work will involve taking measurements from tall forest canopy access towers in beautiful northern hardwood forests of Upper Peninsula, Michigan and lush tropical rainforests of Puerto Rico. 

Applicant must have already obtained an undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, or forestry-related field and have taken the GRE. A strong analytical background and excellent writing and communication skills are required. Preferred qualifications include field-based experience working with plants, and familiarity with statistical software. Preference will be given to applicants with an undergraduate research experience and/or senior thesis. Spanish language skills would also be beneficial.

 This position is fully funded for two years by the USDA Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry. The student would be based in Houghton, MI within the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. The position will require several 1-3 week measurement campaigns in Puerto Rico in addition to summer field work in Michigan Tech’s Ford Forestry Center, approximately 45 minutes from the university. 

Michigan Tech is located in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior, an excellent place for outdoor adventure (see National Geographic Adventure Magazine). Michigan Tech is in Houghton, Michigan and is a safe, inexpensive, & friendly community. 

Applicants should create a single pdf that includes the following: cover letter, CV, unofficial undergraduate transcripts, unofficial general GRE scores, and contact information for three references. In the cover letter, please include a clear statement of purpose including what topics of scientific inquiry are most interesting and inspiring to you and what makes you uniquely qualified for this position. Please email the pdf as an attachment to Dr. Molly Cavaleri (macavale@mtu.edu) with “Canopy Ecophysiology MS Assistantship” in the subject line. The pdf should be named with the first and last name of the applicant. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. Desirable applicants will be invited to apply for admission to the graduate program in Michigan Tech’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (forest.mtu.edu) for an August 2013 start date. Working as a field technician this summer to gain experience with measurement techniques prior to official start date is also highly desirable.

Michigan Tech is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer