[Pollinator] M.S. or Ph. D. Research Assistantship, Managing Native Warm Season Grass Plantings for Pollinators, Biomass, and Birds

[David Inouye]

   M.S. or Ph. D. Research Assistantship
Managing Native Warm Season Grass Plantings for Pollinators, Biomass,
and Birds

This is a multi-disciplinary project to evaluate the effects of managing
native grass plantings for biofuel and forage on pollinators in the
Southeast. Student can integrate hypotheses related to avian ecology
into insect work and is highly encouraged to do so.  Collaborators
include faculty from Wildlife and Fisheries, Plant and Soil Sciences,
and Animal Science.  Successful applicant will have the opportunity to
collaborate on studies involving pollinators, predators, forage quality,
animal health, plant diversity, human-wildlife interactions, carbon
sequestration and biofuel potential.

Responsibilities:  Evaluate pollinator response to 11 different native
grass practices including grazed and ungrazed mixed native grass
pastures, intercropped switchgrass in intensively-managed forests,
forage production systems, and biofuel production systems.   Student
will be responsible for conducting field work (pollinator trapping,
measuring pollinator visits and bloom times of key plant species,
supervising field technicians, analyzing data, and preparing technical
reports and peer-reviewed publications.  There is also potential to
serve as teaching assistant for select courses.

Qualifications:  Passion for integrating wildlife objectives into
productive agricultural systems.  Experience with pollinators is
strongly desired, especially identification but not required.  Student
must be able to work as part of an integrated team and be willing to
work cooperatively with other students on related projects.

Starting Date:  January 2011 (some flexibility)
Stipend:  Starting 15K (M. S.) or 20K (Ph. D.) per annum plus complete
waiver of tuition fees.
Closing Date: Until position is filled.

Inquiry emails are welcomed and should be directed to Dr. James A.
Martin (Co-Project Director, jmartin at cfr.msstate.edu) or Dr. Sam Riffell
(Co-Project Leader, sriffell at cfr.msstate.edu). Drs. Wes Burger (MSU),
Jerry Belant (MSU), and Josh Campbell (High Point University) are
cooperating on the study, as well.

Application:  Submit: 1) transcript(s) and GRE scores (unofficial copies
fine initially), 2) vita, 3) contact information for 3 references, and
4) letter of application which (a) describes your interest in the
position, (b) describes your career goals, and (c) details your work or
educational experience that is most relevant to this position.  To: Dr.
James A. Martin, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Box 9690,
Mississippi State, MS  39762

Physical Address for overnight shipment:
Rm 213a Thompson Hall
775 Stone Blvd.
Mississippi State, MS 39762