Ph.D. Assistantship in Forest Health at the University of Georgia The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens invites applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic students for a Ph.D. Assistantship starting in Fall 2014/Spring 2015. This collaborative work with Dr. Kamal Gandhi (University of Georgia) and Dr. Rima Lucardi (USDA Forest Service) will focus on a newly documented scale insect species (Matsucoccus macrocicatrices) in the southeastern U.S., its interaction with associated fungal organisms, and its potential contribution affecting the fitness of eastern white pine. Major objectives include, but are not limited to the determination of the ecological relationship(s) between eastern white pine, the newly documented scale species, and parasitic fungal complexes through population genetics and biogeographical approaches. This program will require extensive field sampling with dedication in the laboratory and during computational analyses. Strong cooperative relationships with other research institutions, governmental agencies (state and federal), and NGO’s will also be developed. Ideal candidates would already possess both extensive field and molecular laboratory experience, a strong statistical background, and an independent spirit to develop, conduct, and publish ecological and applied research. A Masters Degree in a related field, especially in molecular ecology or bioinformatics, is preferred.
The Forest Entomology laboratory (http://www.kamal.gandhi.uga.edu/) at University of Georgia is a dynamic group that works on a broad range of forest health issues, insect species, and ecosystem-types. We invite applications from highly self-motivated and enthusiastic students that are genuinely interested in working at the forefront of forest health issues. Training in forest entomology, forest pathology, and molecular ecology will be provided. A competitive Ph.D. assistantship for three years along with full tuition waiver is available. Interested students should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with contact information for 3 referees, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kamal Gandhi (kjgan...@uga.edu; 706-542-4614). The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the south, has >70 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology. The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has >23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities. The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/) is a “land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education”. Its motto is: "to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things”. The University of Georgia is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
