Graduate Research Assistantship Plant-Microbe Interactions and Biofuels University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Sustainability is a key economic and environmental issue in bioenergy feedstock production. We are seeking graduate students working towards a MS or PhD to pursue research into the contribution of nitrogen-fixing bacterial endophytes to the sustainability of bioenergy crops. The proposed research is part of a large bioenergy research initiative at the University of Illinois. This work aims to identify and characterize diazotrophs that colonize potential bioenergy crops, to determine the magnitude of their contribution to plant N requirements, and to examine the ecological factors that influence the colonization and activity of nitrogen-fixing endophytes. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should be independent and highly motivated, preferably with academic research and/or field experience. Candidates must be able to work independently as well as part of a collaborative research team. Individuals with superior academic credentials and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply. For additional information: http://microbes.nres.uiuc.edu/opportunities-grad.htm STIPEND/BENEFITS: Support includes a Research Assistantship, tuition waiver, and excellent health benefits. Position available beginning in summer or fall of 2008. INQUIRIES: Send preliminary e-mail letter of inquiry, describing research interests and academic qualifications, to Dr. Angela Kent ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). __________________________________________________ Angela Kent, PhD Assistant Professor of Microbial Ecology Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://microbes.nres.uiuc.edu
