College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

MSc - Forest Ecology

Hiring Organization: Dovciak Lab in Plant Ecology at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Employment type: Temporary
Job Location: Syracuse, NY
Application Due Date: October 31, 2024

MSc position in Forest Ecology
Come study how climate change may affect tree species distributions in mountains of the northeastern United States

Description: The Dovciak Lab in Plant Ecology at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York, is seeking a MSc student to join the lab in January 2025. The research will contribute to our understanding of how environmental factors such as seed rain, microsite limitations, competing vegetation, and/or deer browse limit or facilitate climate-induced tree species migrations to cooler upslope refugia on mountains in four states of the northeastern United States (NY, VT, NH, ME). The successful applicant will work closely with Dr. Martin Dovciak, Dr. Nathan Kiel, and Dr. Laura Kenefic to contribute to the larger team project, with the opportunity to develop and lead independent, complementary field and greenhouse research. There will be opportunities for co-authorship outside of the thesis research.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Forestry, or a related field with a strong GPA and GRE scores. Applicants with a strong interest in plant and forest ecology, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and comfort working outdoors in variable weather and terrain are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous field research experience is an asset. Importantly, most successful candidates rarely meet all the desired qualifications; if you possess any, please consider applying.
Duration and support: Two years, on-site, via a combination of a summer stipend with teaching assistantships. Tuition is waived. Subsequent grant funding may be sought for additional support.

To Apply: Please submit a one-page cover letter detailing your research interests and qualifications, a current resume/CV, unofficial transcript(s), and contact information (including name and email address) for three references to Nathan Kiel (ngkiel@esf.edu). Please include “Upslope species migrations MSc position” in the email subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Note an additional full application must be submitted to the Department of Environmental Biology at SUNY-ESF by November 1, 2024, for acceptance as a MSc student.

About: As a student in the Dovciak lab, you will be part of a supportive learning environment and work closely with collaborators at governmental and non-governmental organizations in the region. As a student at SUNY ESF, one of the top environmental colleges in the country, you will receive hands-on training from leading scientists in ecology and environmental biology.