One graduate research assistantship is available in the area of weed biology and ecology to pursue a M.S. in Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. As one facet of his or her research program, the graduate student will conduct field experiments to assess the competitive ability of field pea varieties against weeds in an organically-managed cropping system. This research will require travel to and overnight stays in Dickinson, ND or Carrington, ND. Additional possible topics of study include biology and ecology of weed seed predation in agricultural systems, biological control of invasive weeds in rangeland and wild lands, and effects of management and cropping systems on weed population dynamics.
The graduate research assistant will conduct field/greenhouse/lab studies, collect data, analyze research results, prepare reports, write journal articles, and prepare a thesis/dissertation. This assistantship will provide a monthly stipend ($17,000 annually) and a full tuition waiver. The field research projects will begin in Spring of 2011. Prospective students should hold a Bachelors degree in plant sciences, agronomy, biology, ecology, or other related field. Desired qualifications include a strong quantitative/ statistical background, excellent oral and written communication skills, field research experience, and an interest in ecologically-based weed management and organic crop production systems. Candidates must also meet the admission requirements of NDSU's Graduate School and the Department of Plant Sciences. Applications must be made on-line through the NDSU Graduate School at http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/. Inquiries should be addressed to: Dr. Greta Gramig, Assistant Professor NDSU Plant Sciences 166 Loftsgard Hall North Bolley Drive Fargo, ND 58102 Office phone: 701-231-8149 Email: greta.gra...@ndsu.edu THE UNIVERSITY North Dakota State University is enjoying a remarkable period of growth and success. Located on the state's eastern border in Fargo, North Dakota's largest city, NDSU is the state's Morrill Act land-grant institution. Recognized as an engaged university and considered a leader among its peers, NDSU has set numerous enrollment records in recent years. With more than 13,200 students, NDSU encompasses a broad spectrum of curricular offerings, scholarly activity and service. The university strives to be an innovator in information systems, technology transfer, economic development and lifelong learning. NDSU also is home to the state's first full NCAA Division I athletic program. Innovative teaching and learning are conducted in nine academic units: the Colleges of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Business Administration; Engineering and Architecture; Human Development and Education; Pharmacy; Science and Mathematics; University Studies; and the Graduate School. NDSU has 42 doctoral and professional doctorate programs, 59 master's degree programs, one specialist degree, three professional degree and 102 baccalaureate majors. NDSU researchers are leading major initiatives in such areas as nanotechnology, microelectronics, polymers, food safety and materials science. In a partnership with Alien Technology Inc., NDSU's Research and Technology Park will soon be home to the world's first mass scale Radio Frequency Identification tag research and production facility. The North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension Service are integral parts of the university. One of the university's latest additions is the new 75,800-square foot, five-story NDSU Downtown, which provides a cutting-edge facility for art, architecture and landscape architecture students. A $10 million project renovated the century-old building to include studios, classrooms, a wood shop, digital media room, gallery and an outdoor sculpture area. NDSU employs almost 821 ranked faculty and lecturers, about 250 extension educators and experiment station researchers, and more than 700 graduate assistants and fellows. In total, the university has nearly 5,878 full-time and part-time employees across the state. NDSU, which is one of two major research universities in an 11-institution state university system, is striving to substantially increase the number of international students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels. NDSU also serves people across the state through continuing education and extension programs. NDSU participates in the Tri-College University consortium with neighboring Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College. THE COMMUNITY Named one of the most desirable places in the country to live by Money magazine, Fargo is quickly earning a reputation as a great place to live. Located in the rich farmlands of the Red River Valley, the Fargo-Moorhead community has many qualities that contribute to this reputation, including highly-respected educational opportunities K-12 through college, advanced medical technology, a progressive business community, numerous cultural and arts opportunities, a clean environment and good-hearted, friendly people. Fargo's revitalized downtown has gained recent national publicity through such media outlets as the Los Angeles Times, The Today Show and National Public Radio. The reports describe an energetic, contemporary feel to many of the downtown's trendy restaurants, nightlife and entertainment opportunities. With more than 160,000 people in the community and about 500,000 people in the service area, Fargo-Moorhead is among the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle and was recently named an All-American City. To learn more about what national publications are saying about the community's quality of life, visit http://www.fmchamber.com/community_live_quality.php.
