Master of Science Graduate Assistantship in Forest Soils
Starting Fall 2025
The University of Maine’s School of Forest Resources is seeking a highly motivated M.S. graduate student to undertake research on forest soils.
About the research: Northern forests are changing quickly due to climate change and human use. Policymakers look to researchers for guidance on how human activity will affect forest ecosystems, the climate, and livelihoods. As a graduate student in this program, you will have the opportunity to design and conduct independent research addressing these critical issues.
Potential research topics include impacts of land management practices (e.g., wood harvest), climate change, or fire on Northern forest soil biogeochemistry and ecology. Your work may involve a combination of field studies, laboratory experiments, or modeling efforts, with research sites at Howland Forest, local forests near Orono, or boreal forest ecosystems across North America. This position will be advised by Dr. Rose Abramoff and Dr. Shawn Fraver.
What the work looks like: Typical activities will vary depending on the research questions you ask, but may include:
Developing expertise through reading and synthesizing scientific literature
Field work: Collecting soil, roots, or gas flux samples from forest sites
Laboratory work: Preparing materials for the field, or making biogeochemical measurements on collected roots or soil
Data analysis: Using statistical tools like R or Python for statistical analysis or process modeling
Sharing your findings: Communicating your research through written reports and presentations to scientific audiences and relevant stakeholders.
Assistantship Benefits: This position is a fully funded research assistantship that provides a stipend of $23,000 USD/year, paid health insurance, and a tuition waiver for 19 credits/year. Funds are available to cover research costs and conference travel. This position is located in Orono, ME, USA.
How to Apply: This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration please apply by March 1, 2025. Apply using this link.
Non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation: In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.
The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).