PhD student position, University of New Brunwick: Plant traits and insect
host-race formation
A fully funded position is available for a PhD student at the University
of New Brunswick, Fredericton (laboratory of Dr. Steve Heard), starting in
fall 2009 or winter 2010.
The research project involves the study of variation in plant traits,
within species and between closely related species, and how they interact
with insect preferences to shape the evolution of diet in insect herbivores.
We will be particularly interested in trait distributions and preferences
that favour the evolution of diet generalism (one insect feeds on several
host plants) vs. divergence with the evolution of diet specialization
(leading to evolution of a host-race complex with each race feeding on a
single host plant). Our model system is the diverse community of insects
feeding on the common goldenrods Solidago altissima and Solidago gigantea.
The project will involve both field and laboratory work.
For examples of previous projects/publications in this area, see
http://www.unb.ca/fredericton/science/biology/Faculty/Heard.html
To apply, please send (snail mail or e-mail) a letter expressing your
interest and summarizing your qualifications, a current CV, undergraduate
grades (an informal copy is fine; no need for an official transcript), and
names and contact information for at least two references. Please address
your materials to:
Steve Heard
Professor and Chair
Dept. of Biology
University of New Brunswick
PO Box 4400
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5A3
she...@unb.ca
