Title: M.S. Graduate Research Assistantships Forestry

Agency: Southern Illinois University

Location: Carbondale, Illinois

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: 22k/year + tuition

Start Date: May 11, 2026 or Aug 17, 2026

Last Date to Apply: 04/15/2026

Description

Two M.S.-level Graduate Research Assistantships are available at Southern Illinois University starting Summer/Fall 2026. One project will continue research efforts to understand how forest management practices impact nightjars (eastern whip-poor-will and chuck-will’s-widow) in southern Illinois and will start in May 2026. The second project will investigate the stand dynamics of bottomland forest plantations following the loss of ash and increased abundance of invasive species and will start in August 2026.

Qualifications

The successful applicants will have (1) obtained a B.S. degree in wildlife, ecology, biology, forestry, zoology, or related fields; (2) exceptional quantitative skills; (3) knowledge of program R and spatial software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS); (4) a driver’s license and ability to conduct independent field work in difficult conditions (e.g., steep terrain, poison ivy, ticks, venomous snakes); (5) ability to work in a team setting and (6) strong oral and written communication skills.

To apply please email a single PDF to Eric Holzmueller (eholzmue@siu.edu) that includes:

1. A cover letter that describes past experiences and career goals

2. Curriculum Vitae (with GPA and GRE scores included, if possible)

3. Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)

4. Contact information for 3 references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications must be received by April 15, 2026.

Contact Person: Dr. Eric Holzmueller

Contact Email: eholzmue@siu.edu