GDARUATE RESARCH ASSISTANTSHIP (PhD) POSITION (50% RA) IN MOLECULAR ECOLOGY Funding for a 3-year Ph.D. project is available through the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) in the Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ctahr2001/TPSS/Index.html), to work on the development of unique molecular markers for rapid identification of potentially invasive weeds in Hawaii. This project aims to develop molecular markers to identify invasive weeds from closely related and morphologically similar desirable species. The objective is not necessarily to identify species per se, but to develop procedures to screen out certain samples of concerned species or eliminate potential invasive species. The project also presents an opportunity to use molecular population genetic methods to address questions related to dispersal and gene flow in invasive plants.
This is primarily a lab-based project, therefore, experience with molecular genetic methods and analyses (e.g. PCR, gel electrophoresis, automated sequencing/genotyping) is desirable but not essential. The candidate will work under supervision of Dr. Ania Wieczorek (http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ctahr2001/TPSS/facultystaff/profiles/wieczorekA.html). The Faculty at CTAHR provides an active and interesting research environment housing number of active groups of ecologists, geneticists, plant and environmental management biologists (see: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ctahr2001/ for an overview). Starting date is flexible, preferably in January 2007, and the salary is for a 50% RA and includes a tuition waiver and benefits. Applicants should provide a full CV, including details of laboratory experience, a list of undergraduate courses and grades, a maximum 1-page description of research interests, three letters of reference, and desired start date. There is no fixed application deadline, but position will be filled once a suitable candidate is found. Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications should be sent (preferably by e-mail) to Dr. Ania M Wieczorek, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>.
