Department of Forestry

Graduate Research Assistantship

Position Announcement
Applications are being accepted for a funded PhD graduate research assistantship (GRA) in the Department of Forestry in the
College of Forest Resources and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University. The successful
candidate will work under the directions of Drs. Eric McConnell and Changyou Sun in the area of forest business. Broadly, the
GRA will develop analyses regarding foreign investments in United States timberlands.

The research focus will be tailored to align with the program’s mission as well as the successful candidate's interests, strengths,
and professional goals. The GRA will be expected to communicate his/her research results in writing through peer-reviewed
journals, conference proceedings, and/or Extension fact sheets and bulletins. Presentations at regional, national, and
international meetings will also be required. A significant contribution as a teaching assistant to at least one course offering will
be necessary. Thus, applicants must be independent and passionate about furthering their education in forestry and forest
business.

The PhD assistantship is available beginning August 2024. The 3-year position includes a stipend ($21,000 annually), tuition
waiver, and insurance. Associated fees are the GRA’s responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
• Ability to meet all admissions requirements to the Department of Forestry PhD program
• Demonstrated TOEFL scores illustrating excellence in English (written and oral) communication skills
• Must possess or be able to legally obtain a valid driver’s license
• Must be on track for meeting all requirements for awarding the MS by Summer 2024

Preferred Qualifications:
• At least one degree in forestry, or natural resources with an emphasis in forestry, preferably the BS
• The second degree can be in forestry, natural resources, agricultural economics, forest and bioproducts, or a related field
• At least one degree from a United States institution in either forestry or agricultural economics
• Ability to work independently to design and conduct experiments, organize, and then analyze data
• Proficiency with statistical, spatial analysis, and/or operations research software to solve research problems
• Publishing research articles, technical bulletins, or similar reports.

Information about the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University as well as admissions criteria can be found at
https://www.cfr.msstate.edu/forestry/index.asp and http://www.grad.msstate.edu/.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Eric McConnell by emailing a short letter of interest, resume or CV, unofficial university
transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores for international students whose native language is not English. Review of
applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The successful applicant will then be required to
apply to the Graduate School at Mississippi State University. The application deadline for 2024 fall enrollment is either May 1,
2024 (international), or August 1, 2024 (domestic).

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to
race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual
orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome
nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a
diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to
race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender
identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and
applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community
that reflects the diversity in our student population. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a
disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please
contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

Contact Information:
Eric McConnell, Ph.D.
Department of Forestry
Forest and Wildlife Research Center
Box 9681
Mississippi State, MS 39762

Office: MSU Main Campus, Thompson Hall 365

E-mail: eric.mcconnell@msstate.edu
Phone: (662) 325-6340