The Smith Fungal Biology Lab (http://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/matthew-e-smith/) and the Hulcr Forest Entomology Lab (www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org) at the University of Florida are recruiting a motivated Ph.D. student to start in Summer or Fall of 2017. We are seeking a student who is broadly interested in fungal systematics, evolutionary biology, and insect-fungi interactions to study ambrosia beetles and their symbiotic fungi as part of an NSF- funded project.
We want someone with: • BS or (preferably) an MS degree in biological sciences • A background that includes evolution, systematics, computational approaches and/or fungal biology • Laboratory and molecular biology experience • Appropriate GPA and GRE scores • Solid English language abilities, strong scientific writing, and demonstrated ability to complete projects. The following skills and experiences are desired but not required: • Phylogenetic analysis • Isolation and maintenance of fungal cultures • Background in bioinformatics, computer science, and/or genomics • Peer reviewed publications Interested students should submit a brief cover letter indicating why they are appropriate for the position along with a CV to Dr. Matthew E. Smith (trufflesm...@ufl.edu). Acceptance for the position is contingent upon acceptance to the to the Ph.D. program in the UF Department of Plant Pathology (see http://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/). Applications must be received by 9 December 2016.
