Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Agronomy/Microbial Ecology Available at Mississippi State University A project is funded through the DOE Sustainable Energy Center at Mississippi State University. As part of an effort to better understand the role of community dynamics in the efficient breakdown of cellulose, the specific goals of the project are to study the ecology of the residue associated prokaryotic and fungal communities during straw decomposition. The broader goals of the research are to develop agronomically, economically, and environmentally sustainable cropping systems for production of lignocellulosic and oils energy crops in Mississippi. Salaries and research support are competitive. The 12-month stipend level is 18,000/year, and student tuition will be remunerated by grant dollars. Applications received by June 1, 2006 will be guaranteed full consideration, with a starting date soon thereafter. The ideal candidate should have a degree in agronomy, ecology, soil science, microbiology, or related field. Previous experience in molecular techniques is preferred, but not required. Mississippi State University is located in Starkville, MS (non-student population 25,000), a rapidly growing small city at the intersection of the upper gulf coastal plain, the blackland prairie, and the interior flatwoods. The culture boasts a mix of traditional conservative and progressive outlets. The grounds of the University comprise about 4,200 acres, including a beautiful mixture of farms, pastures, and woodlands. Applicants may complete the domestic or international MSU Graduate School application form located on the Mississippi State University web site at: http://www.msstate.edu/dept/grad/admissions/ or apply online by following the link on the same page. The GRE Exam is not required. Domestic Applications must include the Application Form (if not applying electronically), a $30 (non-refundable) Application Fee, a Statement of Purpose, Three Letters of Recommendation, Official Academic Records transcript from each school attended), and a Signed Computer Certification Form (if applying electronically). In addition to these items, international applicants must also provide TOEFL Scores. All materials are to be provided to the MSU Graduate School at the address shown on the application form. The application process can be accelerated if electronic copies of these same materials are also sent to the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at [EMAIL PROTECTED], or to Dr. Michael Collins, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mail Stop 9555, MS State, MS 39762. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Mark Williams ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Mark Williams Asst. Prof. Soil Microbiology/Ecology Plant and Soil Sciences 470 Dorman Hall, Mail Stop 9555 Mississippi State University, 39762 office: 662-325-2762 FAX:662-325-8742 Mark Williams Asst. Prof. Soil Microbiology/Ecology Plant and Soil Sciences 470 Dorman Hall, Mail Stop 9555 Mississippi State University, 39762 office: 662-325-2762 FAX:662-325-8742
