A graduate assistantship (PhD applicants are preferred although applicants for a MS degree may be considered) is available at Colorado State University to study the behavioral and ecological mechanisms responsible for competitive displacement between two species of Cotesia parasitoids and the implications for biological control. Investigations will involve a series of laboratory/greenhouse studies and field releases to examine the role of differences in competitive ability for hosts (Pieris rapae) as well as differences in host range in mediating the outcome of competitive displacement involving these two parasitic wasps. Ample opportunities exist to extend this project to include other topics such as how plant traits (e.g. defensive chemistry) may alter the outcome competitive interactions between these parasitoids. Ideally, this position would start in Spring of 2014. This project is part of a larger collaborative effort with colleagues at the University of Minnesota.
To apply, please send a preliminary application (CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, contact information for three references) to Paul Ode, Colorado State University, at paul....@colostate.edu. Eventually, interested candidates would have to apply to the graduate program in either the Department of Bioagricultural Sciences (http://bspm.agsci.colostate.edu/04-2/prospective-students-2/) or the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (http://www.ecology.colostate.edu/prospective.aspx).
