Postdoctoral position – Seedling pathogens and forest dynamics A postdoctoral researcher is needed for an NSF and DOE sponsored project examining the effects of seedling pathogens on forest dynamics in the context of climate change. Goals of this research are to identify seedling pathogens in temperate mixed hardwood forests, and to determine how forest composition and climate change influence fungal infection and its impacts on seedling demography and composition.
The postdoc will coordinate a large-scale field project and develop and implement protocols for DNA based identification of plant endophytic fungal and oomycete communities. She or he will be based at Duke University and work in the labs of Jim Clark and Rytas Vilgalys. The project will involve training and supervision of research technicians, and travel to field sites at Harvard Forest. The ideal candidate will possess strong field, molecular, and data management skills, and should have an interest in community-level analysis and modeling. A background in plant pathogens is also desirable, but not requisite. Start date: immediate through 5/1/2011 Salary commensurate with experience, based on NIH recommended postdoctoral salary scale. Requirements: • Ph.D. in ecology, mycology, plant pathology, or related field • Experience with field studies • Laboratory and bioinformatics skills, including DNA sequencing and interpretation of sequence data to identify environmental samples To apply, send a CV, statement of research interests (2 pages max), and contact information for three references by March 21, 2011 to Jim Clark at <jimcl...@duke.edu>. Position is available in spring 2011.
