The cooperative actively supports master’s and doctoral level research in silviculture, forest modeling, biometrics, and related areas.  To learn about topics and expertise of current interest to the cooperative, email David Affleck with information regarding your background and your research and professional interests.

All interested applicants should also review CFC's graduate programs and standards.

Masters or PhD opportunities in forest modelling

Graduate research assistantships (MS or PhD) in forest inventory, dynamics, and modeling are available within the Franke College of Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. We seek motivated and independent individuals to participate in the design and analysis of research on topics connected to LiDAR-assisted forest inventory and long-term development of montane coniferous forests to early-stand density control, including characterization of forest growth responses and associated impacts on insect and disease dynamics. The research will capitalize on the Cooperative's affiliations with land managers across the inland northwest and on networks of field experiments and long-term monitoring plots, and will contribute to improved understanding of how to sustainably manage forests for fire hazard mitigation, wood products, and forest carbon sequestration. Successful candidates will work closely with Dr David Affleck as well as researchers and technical staff affiliated with the Inland Northwest Growth & Yield Cooperative.

Term

Seeking applicants to begin summer (preferred) or fall 2023. The successful candidates will receive tuition waivers and stipends for 2 (for MS) or 4 (for PhD) years through a combination of research and teaching assistantships.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, or a related field. Background in field work or field research is required; interest in biometrics or quantitative silviculture preferred.

Application

Please email the following materials in a single PDF file to Dr. David Affleck (david.affleck@umontana.edu):

1. letter addressing interest in the project and highlighting relevant experience
2. a CV/resume
3. contact information for three references; and
4. unofficial transcripts. 

Closing Date

Evaluation of applications will begin in summer 2022 and continue until the position is filled.

Contact

Please address any questions to Dr. David Affleck (david.affleck@umontana.edu).