A Ph.D. Research Assistantship in the Department of Forestry is available beginning in the fall of 2005 to study mechanisms controlling dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) cycling in temperate forests. The project will investigate the quantity and composition of DON production, internal cycling and loss across a series of forest ecosystems in northern Lower Michigan that vary systematically in fertility, plant species composition and productivity. Potential applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in forestry, ecology, soil science, biology, chemistry, geology, or related discipline. Research experience, particularly with chemical analysis of soils or plants is highly desirable. Availability to begin field work in the summer of 2005 is also a plus. Assistantships include a full tuition waiver, health benefits and a stipend of ~$17,000/y. Applicants have the option of enrolling in a dual degree program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior (EEBB). If you are interested, please contact David Rothstein (rothste2@msu.edu) with a resume, test scores, and statement of research interests.