A fully funded three-year position for an exceptional doctoral student starting Fall 2018 is available at the Villari Forest Pathology Lab (http://villarilab.com/), in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia (www.warnell.uga.edu).
The incoming doctoral student will pursue research on bark beetle- associated blue-stain fungi and their interaction with Southern pines, with particular emphasis on host defense responses and resistance mechanisms mediated by secondary metabolites. Both molecular and metabolomics approaches will be used during the course of the project. Research work will involve statewide travel (often independently), as well as campus-based research. It will include field, greenhouse, and lab experiments, data and sample collection, data analysis and scientific writing. A valid driving license is required. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and independent person who has good communication skills. A Master’s degree is required for admission to the PhD program. Students with undergraduate or graduate degrees in plant pathology, entomology, ecology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, forestry or botany are particularly encouraged to apply. The research assistantship includes a competitive stipend in accordance with the UGA Warnell School pay scale and a tuition waiver. To be considered for this position, interested candidates are encouraged to directly contact Dr. Caterina Villari (cvill...@uga.edu) with a single PDF contain (1) statement of interest, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores (and TOFEL if appropriate), (4) up to three examples of publications (optional) and (5) contact information for 3 references. In the subject line of the email please follow this example “[your name] – PhD Assistantship”. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis. Obtaining of the position is contingent upon acceptance into the graduate program of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. (see https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-students/applying-graduate- school). Admission requirements include minimum 3.5 Graduate GPA and 1200 (V+Q) GRE score.
