Graduate Research Assistantship - SFASU

Hiring Organization: Stephen F. Austin State University
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Application Due Date: March 15, 2024

A Ph.D. or a Master’s graduate research assistantship in Forestry is available to begin Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU). An annual stipend of $35,000/year for 3 years for a Ph.D. student and $25,000/year for a Master's student will be provided. Half of the resident tuition fees will be the student's responsibility, with the other half covered through the SFA GRA/GTA scholarship program for qualified students.

Research

The successful candidate will work primarily with Dr. Anusha Shrestha in the area of Forest Economics (studying demand and supply chain and forestry stakeholders). A Ph.D. candidate will have opportunity to develop research program in the field of forest economics focusing their interests. Moreover, the candidate will also have opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary research in Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

Qualifications

Individuals with research interests in forest resources economics are encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field by the start date for a Ph.D. program and Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field for a Master's program by the start date. The position requires the student to show a high degree of initiative and perseverance; work independently to design and conduct the study and collect, organize and analyze data; work as a team member; and have a strong work ethic. The candidate should have a strong interest in developing skills in statistical, econometric, and spatial skills to solve research problems. The candidate must have a valid driver's license or be able to legally obtain one.

Institutional Information

Stephen F. Austin State University is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, in the East Texas Pineywoods region approximately 140 miles northeast of Houston and 165 miles southeast of Dallas. With a population of 33,000 residents, Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and has a rich historical background dating back to the establishment of Spanish missions in 1721-22. The university is a comprehensive institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. University enrollment is about 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students can earn degrees from 40 master’s and 3 doctoral programs. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture enrolls about 800 undergraduate and 75 Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy students. The college offers B.S., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Forestry with major concentrations in Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Human Dimensions, Urban, Fire, and Agroforestry. Students can also earn a B.S. and M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences or Agriculture and a B.S. in Geospatial Science. Stephen F. Austin State University is a member of the University of Texas System, effective Fall of 2023.

EEO Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity, and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion, or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at (936) 468-2304.

Review of applications will begin March 15, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. The position will start in Summer 2024, August 2024, or January 2025. To apply, please send in one PDF file including:

A cover letter outlining research interests and experience
CV
Transcripts (unofficial records are acceptable in the preliminary stage)
GRE scores if available (not required)
TOEFL or IELTs (if needed)
Name and contact of three references
A sample of the applicant’s writing (a plus for Master's candidate).

Please send the PDF to Dr. Anusha Shrestha Anusha. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. For questions or inquiries please contact Dr. Anusha Shrestha