PhD assistantship in fungal pathogen ecology and epidemiology starting August 2017
The Goss Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology and Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida is looking for a motivated PhD student to study the ecology and epidemiology of emerging fungal pathogens on invasive stiltgrass starting in August 2017. The student will be expected to characterize the fungal community on stiltgrass, determine host range, virulence, and sporulation of multiple Bipolaris species on the invasive and native grasses and the effect of host condition on these measures. The student may also participate in field studies in the Midwest examining pathogen transmission and host competition. For more information about the system, see http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.12583/full. The student will be expected to work closely with collaborators Luke Flory (Agronomy), Phil Harmon (Plant Pathology), and Robert Holt (Biology). The student must be detail-oriented and have the desire to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. A student who has an MS in plant pathology or disease ecology is preferred but not required. Strong English language and scientific writing skills are desired. Interested students should submit a brief cover letter to emg...@ufl.edu. Include a CV and any peer-reviewed publications. Acceptance to the position is contingent upon acceptance to the PhD program in the Department of Plant Pathology (see http://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate-admissions/). Inquiries should be made as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed starting April 14.