The Forest Entomology team at the University of Florida (www.sfrc.ufl.edu/emergingthreats and www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org) is looking for a PhD student to work on projects integrating modern beetle systematics with real-world applications. Link to the advertisement: http://www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org/2016/02/applied-systematics-phd/
Examples of "applied systematics" projects that the student can choose from include: • Assessment of invasion potential of Cuban wood borers (includes work in Cuba) • Revision of American ambrosia beetles to incorporate recent invasive species • Genetic species limits in morphologically cryptic beetles • Analysis of bias in federal and state bark beetle monitoring programs: what are we not catching? • Identification of wood borers killing cacao in Belize • Various extension and outreach projects. The student is also welcome to propose independent projects. Extensive opportunities for collaboration are available with other entomology, forestry or genetics labs at the University of Florida, the Florida Forest Service, the Florida Department of Agriculture, and the USDA Forest Service. Masters degree preferred. Experience with insect diversity projects is a bonus. Please submit your CV with emphasis on: 1. publications or other evidence of independently finished projects 2. a one-paragraph discussion on your favorite research field. 3. Also submit contact information (phone and email) for your three most recent supervisors. DEADLINE: February 28, 2016. Position start: Fall 2016. Send your application to Jiri Hulcr: hu...@ufl.edu. Use email subject “Applied systematics 2016”. Our team is young and fun, but also serious about being on the cutting edge of research on bark beetles and their significance for the world. The University of Florida is the State’s heavy-lifter in research and offers endless opportunities in scientific technology and collaborations. Gainesville is one of the best towns in the US to live in: educated, beautiful year round, and with low cost of living.
