Graduate student opportunity Bookmark and Share START DATE: September 2015 or January 2016
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH: The overall goal of our large scale lentil genomics project is to develop and apply genomic tools in the lentil breeding program at the University of Saskatchewan to improve the productivity of Canadian lentils. Extensive genotyping and phenotyping will be conducted to characterize the primary and secondary gene pools of the genus Lens. The information will then be used to gain better understanding of the adaptation and domestication processes of lentil in three main growing regions of the world. Specifically, this position will involve population genomic analysis of exome capture and other next generation sequencing datasets as well as analysis of phenotypic datasets. It is anticipated that resources and tools arising from this project will allow breeders to better use exotic germplasm and wild relatives to expand the genetic diversity of the Canadian lentil breeding program. QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. applicants should have (or expect to soon complete) a M.Sc. degree from a recognized University. A publication record is a definite asset. **PLEASE NOTE: The graduate student must be able to travel to the United States on a regular basis to complete some of the research components** Successful applicants will have a strong academic background and will be expected to apply for scholarship funding if selected for the position. A strong commitment to pursuing a research career, good communication and writing skills, and the ability to work in a team environment are essential qualities. A successful application to the College of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Saskatchewan will be required. Information on College admission requirements and application forms can be obtained at www.usask.ca/cgsr ORGANIZATIONS/LOCATIONS: The Pulse Crop Research Group at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada is unique in its scope and expertise in pulse crop research, and is home to one of the largest pulse crop (lentil, pea, chickpea, common bean, faba bean) breeding programs in the world. http://agbio.usask.ca/departments/plant-sciences/index.php This project is in collaboration with Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida, USA. FIU, located at the edge of Everglades National Park, is the largest Hispanic-serving public university in the US with strengths in ecology and agroecology. Faculty and students at FIU work closely with several botanic gardens, including the US National Tropical Botanic Garden and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please refer to http://agbio.usask.ca/students/graduate/index.php for additional information regarding graduate programs at the Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Bioresources. SALARY: $24,000/yr for 4 years for a Ph.D. student TO APPLY: Submit your curriculum vita, a one-page statement of research experience and interests, names and contact information for three (3) references to Drs. Kirstin Bett and Eric von Wettberg (c/o: Crystal Chan, crystal.c...@usask.ca)
