Illinois Natural History Survey and the University of Illinois
M.S. student funding
Bat white nose syndrome and cave fungi

please see the project description for more information

Posted in studentships on Nov 7th, 2011 Comments Off

PhD position in saprotrophic fungal community structure/function

We are looking for graduate students to join our plant evolutionary ecology research group, beginning fall semester 2012, with the opportunity to begin fieldwork in May 2012. Support is available for student(s) to participate in an NSF-funded project, which examines the influences of plant traits on wood decomposition rates. (We will also likely be looking for a postdoctoral scholar and/or technician for this project. Please contact me if you are interested in one of these other positions).

In the project, we are exploring how plant traits influence community structure and function of decomposing fungi, and the consequences of these interactions for the forest carbon cycle in the Ozark Highlands Ecoregion as climate changes. The research assistant would focus on fungal identification, using both traditional techniques (field collection and culturing) and molecular methods (targeted sequencing and next-generation based metagenomics). The student would have opportunities to spend time in collaborating labs that specialize on fungal identification, enzyme analysis and genomics. Motivated students with interests or skills in mycology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics are especially encouraged to apply.

The student would join an interactive lab group (http://www.phylodiversity.net/azanne/) that broadly focuses on plant structure and function (anatomy and physiological ecology), community ecology, and evolutionary ecology, both in the temperate and tropical areas. The field project will be based near St. Louis, MO and Washington, DC and the graduate work will be completed at George Washington University. St. Louis and Washington, DC are dynamic cities with a wealth of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. In both cities, there are strong links among institutions, including ties to the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian. George Washington University is located in the heart of DC, with easy access to numerous science, conservation, and policy based institutions.

If you are interested in working with us on the NSF project (or on other projects broadly related to the lab interests), please send an email to me (Amy Zanne: aezanne@gmail.com) with brief details about your GPA, GRE, research interests, experience, and why you want to go to graduate school. For information about applying to the program, go to the George Washington University, Department of Biological Sciences website (http://departments.columbian.gwu.edu/biology/). The application deadline is 2 January 2012. I am also happy to answer any further questions you might have.

Posted in studentships on Oct 17th, 2011 Comments Off

Position: Graduate Research Assistantship Horticulture Oregon State University
Available: Fall / Winter 2010
Advisors: Paul Schreiner / Patricia Skinkis

Project Title: The impact of cover crop management on rooting profiles, mycorrhizal colonization and mycorrhizal community structure of young grapevines.

We are recruiting a highly motivated student who will work as part of team to better understand how cover crops and residue management affect the overall health & development of young grapevines and soil quality attributes in vineyards. The focus of this graduate research position is on root growth and mycorrhizal fungi. An approach using both classical and molecular tools will be used. Please contact Paul Schreiner (paul.schreiner@ars.usda.gov) for further information.

Information about the graduate program in Viticulture/Enology at OSU can be found at: http://wine.oregonstate.edu/graduate_programs.

Posted in studentships on Jul 27th, 2010 Comments Off

I am soliciting an outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant for Fall 2010 to investigate plant molecular ecology, field ecology, and/or mycorrhizal molecular ecology. The research program focuses on molecular and field ecology of natural populations of orchids and their fungal associates.

REQUIREMENTS
1. An M.S. degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-based discipline in Plant or Biological Sciences, or a closely related field.

2. Background or strong interest in techniques and data analysis methods in molecular biology, i.e., DNA extraction, selecting suitable markers, PCR, molecular data analyses, sequencing, constructing and interpreting phylogenies, etc., for application toward plant population genetics and mycorrhizal diversity studies.

3. Keen attention to detail, organizational and coordination skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

4. Ability to complete all admission requirements for beginning the program in Fall 2010. International students, too, can apply if all required documents are available.

SALARY and BENEFITS
Competitive salary. Varies with status (i.e., assistantship vs. fellowship).

APPLICATION
Please see: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/admissions/how.php

Please submit:
A one-page letter of application describing interests and qualifications. The applicant should specifically address how their skills match the position description and requirements;

Curriculum Vitae, including names, complete address, phone, and e-mail for three references;

GRE scores; and

TOEFL scores (if applicable) to:

jyotsna.sharma@ttu.edu

Dr. Jyotsna Sharma
_________________________________________________________
Department of Plant and Soil Science
MS 42122, Texas Tech University
Room 253, Plant Science Building
15th and Detroit Ave., Lubbock, Texas 79409; USA

jyotsna.sharma@ttu.edu; 806.742.2637 (office); 806.742.1697 (labs)

Posted in studentships on Apr 13th, 2010 Comments Off

Scholarship in the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (TCBES)
M.S. Program at the University of Hawai‘i

Join a team of researchers examining the diversity and dynamics of fungal community structure in native Hawaiian forests across both elevational and successional gradients. Building upon previous work done on the Hawaiian Islands documenting the diversity of fleshy macrofungi using traditional sampling methods, this project is adding a molecular component through the collection of environmental isolates, construction of cloning libraries, and metagenomic analysis. Results of this project will provide a much broader picture of both the taxonomic and genetic fungal diversity present in native Hawaiian forests, including both macro- and microscopic taxa. Additionally, the span of this project across both spatial and temporal gradients will allow the investigation of not only changes in species composition and function, but also how such changes may play a role in fungal speciation and that of any associated plant species. The graduate scholar will receive training in field and molecular methods, and will contribute to the overall project while conducting thesis research.

The successful applicant will receive $22,000 annual salary, will enroll in the TCBES Program, and will join a vibrant research community in evolutionary genetics at UH Hilo, comprising faculty, postdocs, and graduate and undergraduate students.

Students of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or other under-represented ancestries are especially encouraged to apply. For information on the TCBES Program and application procedures, visit: www2.hawaii.edu/~tcbes/.

Contact: Dr. Brian A. Perry (baperry@hawaii.edu).

Posted in studentships on Apr 6th, 2010 Comments Off

The incumbent would study and characterize pathogens and pests intercepted at US ports of entry, including fungi, nematodes, insects, and others. Studies may include morphology, culture analysis, and molecular characterization including sequence and phylogenetic analyses. The incumbent would help establish a database of authoritative sequences in order to accurately identify pests of regulatory significance. Duties would include DNA extraction, selecting and sequencing appropriate gene region(s), doing BLAST searches, conducting phylogenetic analyses, identifying barcodes for quarantine significant pests and pathogens and for plant associated pests and pathogens present in the U.S.

This position is a 2-year fellowship in the APHIS Science Fellows program. The position may be extended for 2 additional years. The selectee will be entitled to health and life insurance benefits, retirement benefits and leave accrual.

Full application information.

Applications due by Nov 30 2009
US Citizens only

contact: Dr. Mary E. Palm, USDA/APHIS/PPQ/PHP/RIPPS

Posted in studentships, jobs on Nov 2nd, 2009 Comments Off