[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research in Plant-Microbe Interactions

[Rob Colautti]

Graduate Studentship (MSc and PhD)
Eco-evolutionary genetics of plant-microbe interactions
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Antunes Lab (Algoma University) – http://people.auc.ca/antunes/
Colautti Lab (Queen’s University) – http://bit.ly/colautti
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Where: Kingston or Sault Ste. Marie, ON (Canada)
When: January or September 2016

We are looking for a motivated PhD or MSc student to work on a project 
that combines next-generation sequencing with field and laboratory 
experiments to examine eco-evolutionary dynamics involving soil 
microbial communities and exotic plant populations.
 
The ideal candidate would have:

•   an educational background in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, 
Genomics, Computational Biology, or Theoretical Ecology/Evolution
•   an interest in soil ecology, plant invasions, or eco-
evolutionary dynamics
•   excellent knowledge of experimental design and statistics 
•   some experience with molecular lab techniques
•   some experience setting up greenhouse and/or field experiments
•   knowledge of soil science and plant invasions
•   excellent oral communication skills and a proven publication 
record 
•   ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

The candidate would most likely be based in the Colautti lab.

The Antunes lab (http://people.auc.ca/antunes/) is located in Sault Ste. 
Marie, Ontario. The lab is newly equipped for research in microbiology, 
including PCR-based techniques. Exceptional plant growth chambers, 
greenhouse facilities and a long-term field research site are available 
through the Ontario Forestry Research Institute located within walking 
distance of the main campus.  

The Colautti lab (http://bit.ly/colautti) in the Biology Department at 
Queen’s University (http://biology.queensu.ca/) is newly equipped for 
research in ecological genomics in natural environments. This includes 
infrastructure for high-throughput DNA/RNA extraction, next-generation 
sequencing, high-performance computing, and field research at Queen’s 
University Biological Station (QUBS) – a 3,200 hectare (~8,000 acre) 
research station with comfortable accommodation, catered meals, and a 
highly interactive research community (http://www.queensu.ca/qubs).

Conditions

Specific information about the application process, admission 
requirements and necessary forms can be found here:
(http://biology.queensu.ca/academics/graduate/applying/).
 You will have opportunities to obtain competitive bursaries and 
Teaching Assistantships. 
http://biology.queensu.ca/academics/graduate/scholarships/
http://www.queensu.ca/sgs/awards-scholarships

Please contact Dr. Robert Colautti (robert.colautti<-a-t-
>queensuca) or Dr. Pedro Antunes (antunes<-a-t->algomauca) for 
additional information about the position or to send us your C.V., a 
cover letter with a statement of research interests and the names of 
three individuals able to provide a recommendation letter.

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship - Plant-Microbe Interactions

[Angela Kent]

Graduate Research Assistantship
Plant-Microbe Interactions and Biofuels
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sustainability is a key economic and environmental issue in bioenergy feedstock 
production. We are seeking graduate students working towards a MS or PhD to 
pursue research 
into the contribution of nitrogen-fixing bacterial endophytes to the 
sustainability of bioenergy 
crops. The proposed research is part of a large bioenergy research initiative 
at the University of 
Illinois. This work aims to identify and characterize diazotrophs that colonize 
potential bioenergy 
crops, to determine the magnitude of their contribution to plant N 
requirements, and to examine 
the ecological factors that influence the colonization and activity of 
nitrogen-fixing endophytes.

QUALIFICATIONS: 
Applicants should be independent and highly motivated, preferably with academic 
research and/or field experience. Candidates must be able to work independently 
as well as part 
of a collaborative research team. Individuals with superior academic 
credentials and strong 
communication skills are encouraged to apply.

For additional information: http://microbes.nres.uiuc.edu/opportunities-grad.htm

STIPEND/BENEFITS:
Support includes a Research Assistantship, tuition waiver, and excellent health 
benefits.

Position available beginning in summer or fall of 2008.

INQUIRIES:
Send preliminary e-mail letter of inquiry, describing research interests and 
academic 
qualifications, to Dr. Angela Kent ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).