USA: MS Research Assistantship in Biofuel, Iowa State University

Job Description: I have one 2-year MS assistantship available for a student interested in the social and economic aspects of natural resource management and alternative energy systems.

Location: Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management, Iowa State University. Ames, IA. You would become one of the founding members of the NREM Socio-Economic Research Lab.

The research involved is in the realm of sustainable biomass systems for biofuel/bioproduct production. Key research questions involve: What biomass fuel sources most effectively supply jointly produced economic, social, and environmental benefits (while minimizing potential negative impacts) in the US Cornbelt? What new crops, cropping systems, forest management practices, machinery and techniques for harvesting, storing, and transporting biomass are required for its sustainable development? What ecosystem goods and services can be qualified and then quantified within a partially perennialized agricultural landscape as compared to traditional row-crop systems. Research flexibility is always provided for the development of student-interest research questions.

Research will involve systems modeling, stakeholder based assessments and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Stipend: $18,000 per year plus health benefits and subsidized tuition (at least 50%). Start date: ISU Spring semester 2009.

Prior to formal application to Iowa State University, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. John Tyndall (jtyndall[ at ]iastate.edu; 515.294.4912) with a letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores if available, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. Please feel free to contact John with any informal inquiries. If you wish to send hard copies, these may be submitted to John Tyndall, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found.

Qualifications: Ideal students will have an interest in sociology, economics, and ecology. Quantitative aptitude and reasonably developed verbal and written skills are a distinct plus. The student will be expected to present results of his/her research at regional and national meetings and to prepare manuscripts of these findings for publication in the peer-reviewed literature.

Minimum requirements as stated by the Graduate College, Iowa State University: http://www.admissions.iastate.edu/graduate/
Salary: $18,000 per year plus health benefits and subsidiz
Last Date to apply: December 1, 2008
Website: www.iastate.edu
Contact: John Tyndall
E-mail: jtyndall@iastate.edu(Preferred)
Phone: 515.294.4912