University of Idaho, Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research · Idaho · assistantship · posted 51 days ago
University of Idaho M.S. Assistantships -Forest Nursery Seedling Quality Across the Chain-of-Custody Two M.S. assistantship positions are available at the University of Idaho to study how seedling handling practices from the time of propagation through packing through transport and planting affects seedling quality and performance of seedling once planted in the field. The positions will start in January 2027. Students will join the Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research (CFNSR) and be supervised by Dr. Andrew Nelson. The assistantships include a competitive stipend, waiver of out-of-state tuition, full coverage of in-state tuition and student health insurance. Additional funds are available for research supplies and travel. Initial funding is available for 2 years as research assistantships. The students will work on projects examining how seedling handling practices influence successful reforestation. There is anecdotal evidence that improper handling of seedlings such as excessive moisture stress, root damage during packing, improper storage temperatures, improper transportation conditions, and improper treatment on planting sites ahead of planting can negatively affect initial seedling survival and growth once planted. Improper management of seedlings across this chain-of-custody can compound ill effects, but it is still unclear which steps of the handling process most influence outplanting success or how different intensities of mishandling affect success. The students working on this project will work with the major professor and USDA Forest Service collaborators to design rigorous manipulative research trials where seedlings are mishandled at different stages of the handling process and evaluate the effects on seedling establishment at forest field sites and physiological responses to manipulative disturbances. The students will have the opportunity to present their research at scientific conferences and management workshops in the western United States. The students are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed journals. The students will have access to laboratories, field sites, and greenhouses at the University of Idaho and across North-Central Idaho. The lab is fully outfitted with equipment to measure plant physiology and morphology. Required qualifications include a B.S. degree in forestry, plant ecophysiology, botany, or closely related discipline. The successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to work both independently and as a team member, be comfortable traveling and working in the greenhouse, lab, and field, and have an interest in working in forest nurseries in the future. The student must be able to pass a criminal background check. The students are expected to begin January 2027. The positions are based in Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho. Moscow is in northern Idaho on the border with Washington in a region known as the Palouse. The area offers ample outdoor recreational opportunities within a short distance from Moscow. Interested applicants should first complete this online form (link). Once the form is completed, send a brief email introducing yourself and your interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references who can attest to your experience, work ethic, and academic success, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnelson@uidaho.edu). The subject of the email must state exactly "M.S. position Seedling Chain-of-Custody". Review of applications will begin immediately until suitable candidates are found. Andrew S. Nelson, Ph.D. Tom A. Alberg and Judith Beck Chair of Native Plant Regeneration Director, Center for Forest Nursery & Seedling Research, Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery College of Natural Resources Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences CNR 102C asnelson@uidaho.edu (208) 885-1004 [cid:image001.png@01DD28D2.6C86F510]
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