FOREST ECOPHYSIOLOGY LAB- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
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​M.S. position in the Forest Ecophysiology Lab at the University of Kentucky
 
Come join us! The Forest Ecophysiology Lab, led by Dr. Sybil Gotsch in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, is recruiting a graduate student to join the lab July 1, 2023. Research in our lab lies at the interface between ecohydrology, plant physiology and ecosystem ecology. We study the water relations of plant communities and are interested in understanding how climate change and forest management will impact plant community structure and ecosystem function. Our group is currently conducting research on the physiological mechanisms that confer success and failure under different microclimatic conditions. Findings from this work will then be used to understand how potential changes in water use or community structure will affect the hydrologic cycle. We are currently conducting research in the Tropical Montane Cloud Forests of Costa Rica and in the Temperate Forests of Central and Southern Appalachia. 
This student will primarily participate on our research program in Central Appalachia, though there will be opportunities to support our work in Costa Rica as well.
The Forest Ecophysiology Lab is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI&A) in the fields of forestry and environmental science. As an Equal Opportunity Institution, we strongly encourage prospective candidates from historically marginalized populations to consider the opportunity. Our team puts people first—our commitment to mentorship and professional development is central to our mission.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Candidate must have successfully completed a B.A. or B.S. in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or other related field by June of 2023.
  • Candidate must be in good physical condition as this project will entail field work and will include long days working outdoors in mountainous terrain. We commonly carry packs with 40-50 pounds of gear and have to hike a few miles to some research locations.
  • Candidate must have a strong work ethic and be comfortable working in the field with minimal supervision.
Preferred qualifications:
  • 1-2 years field experience
  • Experience working with large datasets
  • Strong writing skills
  • Comfort and ability working in large teams
  • Interest and/or ability working at heights (i.e. tree climbing)
  • Experience with R or other programs for data management and statistical analyses
The successful applicant will receive an ~$18,000 stipend, health insurance and tuition. Travel to and from field locations and housing will be provided. More information about the Graduate Program in Forestry and Natural Resources can be found at: https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/forestry-graduate-program.
 
Send cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts and a list of 3 references to Dr. Sybil Gotsch (sybil.gotsch@uky.edu). Applications will be reviewed beginning March 15th.
 
For more information about research in the Forest Ecophysiology Lab, please visit our lab website. Our local work will take place in Robinson Forest, the University of Kentucky’s 14,800 acre experimental forest located in a rugged and beautiful section of the interior Cumberland Plateau.
The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky, a vibrant mid-sized city that continually tops lists of best U.S. cities and recently received high marks from the Human Rights Campaign Equality Index. Daniel Boone National Forest and the world-renowned Red River Gorge are approximately an hour from campus and provide hundreds of miles of beautiful hiking trails and world-renowned crags for rock climbing.
Land Acknowledgement: The University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment respectfully acknowledges that the University of Kentucky sits on the traditional territory of the Osage, Shawnee, Cherokee, Adena, and Hopewell peoples
  • Home & Lab News
  • M.S. position available
  • People
  • Research
    • Cloud Forest Environmental Physiology
    • Ecohydrology of Maritime Forests in Coastal Georgia
    • Urban Ecohydrology
  • Tree Climbing for Science
  • Media, Outreach & Collaborators
  • Publications
  • Past Courses
  • Photos
    • Monteverde Region, Costa Rica
    • Canopy Work
    • Field Season: Winter 2017-18
    • 2017 Doug Fir Tree Climbing
    • Field Season 2017
    • F&M Tree Climbers 2017
    • Tree Platforms
    • CloudNet Meeting 2015
    • Mexico
    • Maui