A PhD student is sought to conduct research as part of a multidisciplinary study examining wetlands in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in south Alabama. The project will examine forested wetlands and supporting conditions across a tidal gradient and their connection to Mobile Bay. The student will work with our team to develop predictive wetland-hydrologic models based on machine-learning approaches. Other research elements related to the project will be developed by the student and advisors. The student will work with labs lead by PIs Chris Anderson and Latif Kalin (https://latifkalin.weebly.com/).

Desirable background and skills include: i) field experience in forested wetlands, ii) exposure to machine-learning or other environmental modeling approaches, iii) experience operating a motorboat, and iv) demonstrated abilities to manage and analyze large datasets. Prospective students should be highly motivated, demonstrate good communication and analytical skills, and be willing to conduct extensive field and modeling work. An M.S. degree in environmental science, ecology, aquatic science, or natural resources is required. Preference will be given to students with experience related to the desirable background and skills. If interested, please email a letter of interest, resume/CV, and transcripts (unofficial copy) to Dr. Chris Anderson at andercj@auburn.edu.

Location: Coastal Alabama

Salary: Research assistantship includes tuition waiver and stipend (PhD: 3-years at $25,000/yr)

Start Date: 01/05/2022

Last Date to Apply: 11/15/2021

Job Description:

The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University is seeking a qualified individual for a research associate/fellow position to work on climate‐smart forestry topics at Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama. This is a joint research and outreach program initiated by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and forest sector partners.

Carbon released into the atmosphere is becoming more influential to global climate change as population grows and the use of fossil fuels increases. Forestry can mitigate warming by managing for carbon sequestration through forest management and forest products utilization. As interest in forest‐based natural climate solutions expands rapidly, we need to scientifically define the parameters of climate‐smart forestry, understanding the range of management practices that lead to positive climate outcomes. This joint research program is designed to utilize and establish the fundamental science needed to answer critical questions regarding the adaptation of desired forest management schemes and the use of forest products to mitigate global climate changes. The contribution of forests and forest‐based products to mitigate global climate changes will be comprehensively investigated.

The research associate/fellow will be responsible for (1) conducting a comprehensive literature review of the science to summarize where the science is presently and identify gaps and needs regarding forest management schemes towards climate mitigation, contribution of forests and forests–based products to mitigating climate change, Life cycle analysis (LCA) based carbon stocks/flows, and carbon markets and incentives in forests of the Southeastern United States. Further, based on identified gaps and needs, the successful candidate will (2) develop applied research to build the scientific knowledge and infrastructure for society, business enterprises, and policymakers to recognize the significance of the forest ecosystem, forest management, and the forest sector supply chain to climate change; (3) better understand how to transfer the credit of carbon sequestration by the forest ecosystems to downstream forest‐based products users, clients, and customers with associated incentives for implementation of beneficial forest practices or positive outcomes towards defined climate/forest carbon sequestration objectives. Drawing on this information, the successful candidate will (4) develop a range of outputs (such as fact sheets, peer reviewed articles, and position papers) for the benefit of forest managers, landowners, business enterprises, and policymakers.

This is a 24‐month, limited‐term non‐tenure track position and is funded by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and external sources for up to two years. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have a robust understanding of forest ecosystems, private forest management, forestry practices, forest products and their implications for carbon sequestration and storage, especially as they relate to the Southeast United States. A graduate degree (MS and/or PhD) with adequate and relatable experience in forestry science, climate science, sustainability, wood science, or a closely related field at the time appointment begins. The successful applicant will demonstrate commitment to timely completion of deliverables, commitment to the publication of results in highly reputable peer‐reviewed journals, and strong potential to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders on a highly visible research topic. Excellent written, quantitative, and interpersonal communication skills are required.

In addition, the candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Desired Qualifications:

Previous experience with forest management, life cycle assessment, carbon measurement and sequestration, forest economics and policy, and climate change is desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must complete the online application at this link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/24913 to include a letter of interest, Curriculum vitae, names and contact information of three professional references and transcript (transcript should show conferral of MS or PhD degree and date of conferral.)

Review of applications will begin November 15, 2021, and continue until the position is filled.

More information about the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment can be found at https://cfwe.auburn.edu/. Further questions about the position should be addressed to Dr. Daowei Zhang (zhangd1@auburn.edu or 334‐ 844‐1067) and Yucheng Peng (yzp0027@auburn.edu; 334‐844‐1089).

This position is an assistantship for a Master’s of Science in forestry in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University. The student will conduct research in the area of forest operations. The project will be focused on assessing timber characteristics, timber extraction methods, and environmental parameters of storm damaged forest stands through the use of drone-based remote sensing and LiDAR. Financial support is available for 2 years, starting in the Fall 2022 semester and includes a stipend of $18,000/year and a tuition waiver. How to apply: Please send Dr. Richard Cristan the following documents: (1) cover letter that includes your research interests, qualifications, and any applicable experience, (2) CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, and (4) contact information for three professional references. If selected for the position, you will need to apply and be accepted to the Auburn University Graduate School. More information on the Graduate School can be found at: http://graduate.auburn.edu/prospective-students/. Applicants will be reviewed through March 15, 2022. Contact: Dr. Richard Cristan, rzc0067@auburn.edu

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in forestry, geographic information systems (GIS), or a related field and have a research interest in forestry. The applicant must be self-motivated and willing to conduct field work and travel to remote research sites. A valid U.S. drivers license is required or the ability to obtain one during the first semester.

Preferred Qualifications: Have your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Remote Pilot Certificate-Part 107 (https://www.faa.gov/uas/) or ability to obtain your certificate during your first semester (first exam attempt fee and training materials will be provided). Being familiar with ESRI ArcGIS software will be valuable, but there are several GIS courses at Auburn including a new drone-based mapping and analysis course in Geography and other courses in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.