We are looking for highly motivated students seeking an MS or PhD to begin in either the Fall of 2009 or the Spring of 2010. This student will work on the ecology of the invasive South American cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum). This species is well-known as one of the most successful biocontrol agents as a result of its introduction into Australia in the 1920’s. It has since invaded the United States and threatens to spread into northern Mexico where hosts of the moth are cultivated. The student will explore the role of host quality in determining the rates and routes of invasion in North America. The position will be co-advised by Dr. Christopher Brooks (http://www.msstate.edu/dept/biosciences/brooks.htm) and Dr. Gary Ervin (http://www.msstate.edu/dept/biosciences/ervin.htm) in the Department of Biological Sciences at Mississippi State University.
Interested students should send a letter of interest to cpbro...@biology.msstate.edu and ger...@biology.msstate.edu. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated experience in plant, parasite or insect ecology, analysis of ecological data, and/or spatial data analysis. Completion of a M.S. degree is not a requisite for this position, but it is expected that the successful applicant will have demonstrated at least a basic level of field research experience. Include in the e-mail a short description of your interests along with a CV.
