Research Associate / Research Fellow

Auburn University is hiring a Research Associate/Fellow for a limited-term position focused on Forest Seedling Production and Regeneration. The role involves research, data analysis, and technology transfer related to forest tree seedlings in the southern U.S. Key responsibilities include conducting experiments, teaching courses, writing reports, and collaborating with industry members. Candidates must have an MS degree in a relevant field and at least 2 years of research experience.
Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number

S4052P

Home Org Name

Forestry Wildlife and Environment

Division Name

College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment

Position Title

Research Associate / Research Fellow

Job Class Code

HA02 A

Appointment Status

Full-time

Part-time FTE

Limited Term

No

Limited Term Length

Job Summary

The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
invites applications for the position of Research Associate/Fellow
with a specialty in Forest Seedling Production and Regeneration.
This is a limited-term appointment, with employment contingent on
the availability of funds. This position is committed to research
and technology transfer associated with the Auburn University
Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative ( SFNMC ). The
Nursery Cooperative’s mission is to develop and disseminate
available cultural, biological and chemical technologies using an
integrated system for the economical production and utilization of
forest tree seedlings in the southern United States. Members of the
Nursery Cooperative, which include the Forest Service, forest
industries, state forestry commissions, and private nurseries, grow
approximately 86% of all the seedlings used for reforestation in
the southern United States. Research includes pesticide
evaluations, nursery cultural practices and strategies for the
minimization of environmental impacts and optimal seedling
production. Additional information about the College of Forestry,
Wildlife and Environment SFNMC can be found at https://nurserycoop.auburn.edu/

Essential Functions
• Participate in an on-going research and technology transfer
program involving industry, state, and private forest-tree bareroot
and container seedling nurseries.
• Engage actively in research, collection and statistical
analysis of data, development of experimental designs and/or
protocols that address Nursery Cooperative priorities. In the past
this included methyl bromide alternatives, fertility trials,
fungicidal tests, seedling cultural trials, weed control,
biological treatments, etc.
• Help teach a nursery short course biennially focusing on
seedling regeneration and production in the southern United
States.
• Participate in writing research reports, technical notes and
newsletter articles for Nursery Cooperative Members.
• Participate in presentations at Nursery Cooperative meetings
and at regional or national meetings of relevance.
• Travel to nursery field sites across the southeastern United
States to install experiments, collect data and serve as a liaison
with Nursery Cooperative Members in a limited diagnostic
capacity.
• Work with the EPA, USDA and APHIS to address the needs of
Cooperative Members with respect to pesticide issues.
• Seedling diagnostics
• May be required to supervise technicians and undergraduate
students.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
• MS degree in Forestry, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science or
related field.
• Minimum 2 years research experience

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

Candidates must have a robust understanding of forestry in the
Southeastern United States. A graduate degree (MS and/or PhD) with
adequate and relatable experience in forestry, agronomy,
horticulture, plant science, or a closely related field at the time
appointment begins. The successful applicant will demonstrate
commitment to the timely completion of deliverables and strong
potential to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
Excellent written, quantitative, and interpersonal communication
skills are required.

In addition, the candidate selected for this position must be able
to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at
the time of employment and continue working legally for the
proposed term of employment.

Minimum Technology Skills

Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications
• PhD degree in Forestry, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science
or related field.
• Specialization in Plant Pathology, Entomology or Plant
Physiology.
• Experience working in nurseries.
• Familiar with southern pines and soils associated with growing
southern pines.
• Strong understanding of pest and disease management in a plant
nursery setting.
• Understanding of pesticide use and regulations.
• Excellent written, organizational and communications
skills.
• Experience designing and managing applied research
projects.

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range

$42,700 - $80,400

Job Category

Research

Working Hours if Non-Traditional

City position is located in:

Auburn

State position is located:

AL

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by
this position

Posting Date

10/30/2024

Closing Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment and
education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race,
color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected
veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification
protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal
Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO ) strives to ensure an inclusive
and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members
of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to
learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply please go to
https://www.auemployment.com/hr/postings/49438, complete the online
form and upload the required application documents: (1) cover
letter addressing the candidate’s interest and experience pertinent
to the responsibilities of the position, (2) current curriculum
vita, (3) research statement, (4) copies of academic transcripts,
and (5) the names and contact information of at least three
references. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2024 and
will continue until a suitable candidate is hired. Please send
inquiries to Dr. Richard Cristan, Chairperson, Assistant Professor
and Extension Specialist at rzc0067@auburn.edu .

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://www.auemployment.com/postings/49438

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research and/or Goals

Optional DocumentsSupplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
• * Do you have a Master's degree or higher from an accredited
institution in Forestry, Climate Science, Sustainability, Wood
Science, Life Cycle Analysis, or closely related field?
• Yes
• No
• * How many years of experience do you have in research
practices and protocols?
• 0-1
• 2-3
• 4-5
• 6+
• * Please describe your related experience in detail and provide
the job titles of the positions in which you obtained it. If you do
not have related experience, please enter 'N/A'

(Open Ended Question)