Graduate Research Assistantship

Hiring Organization: Louisiana State University
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Baton Rouge, LA)
Application Due Date: June 30, 2026

A Master of Science (M.S.) Research Assistantship (RA) is available in the School of Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA) under the supervision of Dr. John Tracy.

Tupelo-cypress forests support nutrient and detritus flux in lateral and downstream ecosystems, but their ability to regenerate has been threatened in hydrologically altered systems like the Apalachicola River floodplain of Florida. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has funded hydrologic restoration projects in this system and is now funding swamp forest restoration to improve water quality and nutrient flux downstream. The RA will assist in leading the restoration of approximately 60-100 acres of swamp forest and will develop and complete research investigating leaf litter nutrient dynamics among floodplain forest types. This includes field and lab-based studies based in Louisiana and Florida. Opportunities exist to collaborate with faculty in the LSU AgCenter, other universities, state and federal agencies, and industrial and non-industrial private landowners.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field (i.e., Environmental Science, Biology) and meet the admission requirements of the LSU Graduate School (after the selection process). They must have reasonable quantitative skills and knowledge of forest ecology. The successful candidate should exhibit an aptitude for oral and written communication. They will be expected to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals and to present at professional conferences. Experience with GIS, forest inventory, and johnboat operation and basic maintenance are preferred but not required. This position is based in Baton Rouge, LA and multi-day trips to project sites in Florida are expected.

To apply, please submit the following via email to Dr. John Tracy (jtracy@agcenter.lsu.edu):

Statement of research interests and career goals
Resume or curriculum vitae
Transcripts
Contact information for three references

Financial support is available for two years (M.S.) starting in January of 2027, including a competitive annual stipend, tuition support, and health insurance (offered). The review of applications will begin on July 1, 2026 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Please send any questions to Dr. Tracy at jtracy@agcenter.lsu.edu.

The LSU Agricultural Center and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.