MS Assistantship – Targeted grazing by sheep to control annual grass invasion in sagebrush steppe
Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, Idaho, USA
A position is available for a motivated MS student to join a transdisciplinary team to evaluate how targeted grazing of cheatgrass by sheep affects sagebrush steppe ecosystems. The student will assist with a large field experiment, collect and analyze vegetation and soil data, and contribute to education and outreach efforts – all of which aim to improve understanding of how to reduce annual grass invasion and wildfire risk on western rangelands. Our research is conducted in collaboration with interdisciplinary scientists, land managers, and sheep producers.
Dr. Kelly Hopping (website) will be the student’s major advisor. The student will also work closely with colleagues at Boise State University, Brigham Young University, and the Sawtooth National Forest, in addition to collaborating with others in the Human-Environment Systems community – a group of faculty and students committed to transdisciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real-world environmental challenges. The student will pursue a M.S. in the Biology program at Boise State University. The position will begin in summer 2022, with field work starting in July.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science or Arts (B.S. or B.A.) in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Rangeland Science, or related field.
- Self-motivated, independent, and creative thinker who is enthusiastic about pursuing rangeland research.
- Interest working in collaborative, transdisciplinary teams.
Preferred qualifications:
- Quantitative skills, including proficiency using R and ArcGIS, or other statistical and geospatial software.
- Rangeland vegetation identification skills.
Stipend and tuition and fees
This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantship (renewable, 12-month at $20,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance.
About the university and Boise
The Human-Environment Systems group and Biology MS graduate program at Boise State University offer a diversity of courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities. We have created a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships with international organizations, all dedicated to providing students with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. To learn more, please visit: https://www.boisestate.edu/hes/ and https://www.boisestate.edu/biology/graduate-programs/ms-biology/.
Boise State University is in the beautiful city of Boise, with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked metropolis. The city has ample opportunities for world-class outdoor activities year-round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. To learn more, view the “Visit Boise” link at: https://www.cityofboise.org/
To Apply
Please send via email in a single file attachment: (1) a cover letter that states why you are interested in this position, your qualifications, and career goals; (2) a CV that includes employment history, with dates of employment; (3) names and contact information for three professional references; and (4) copies of transcripts (unofficial are fine). Applications should be sent to Kelly Hopping (email: kellyhopping AT boisestate.edu). Please put “MS application – Targeted grazing” in the email subject line and include your last name in the file name.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received until May 8, 2022. Applications received after that point may be considered if the position is not filled from the finalist pool. Top candidates will be asked to formally apply to Boise State’s Biology MS program. All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.
Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.
