Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Soil Microbial Ecology at Mississippi State University . A NSF-funded PhD project is available to an ambitious student interested in studying the succession of microbial communities during the process of soil and ecosystem development. The student will study within the frame work of a collaboration between the University of Georgia and Mississippi State University and have the opportunity to learn state of the art molecular techniques (e.g. cloning, pyrosequencing). Travel to study sites in Michigan and Georgia will be required. To learn more about the laboratory visit our website at www.pss.msstate.edu/soilmicro/index.htm. Salaries and research support are competitive. The 12-month stipend is 18,000/year, and student tuition will be remunerated by grant dollars. Applications received by Mar 1, 2008 will be guaranteed full consideration, with a starting date soon thereafter. The ideal candidate should have a degree in ecology, microbiology, agronomy, soil science or related field. Previous experience in molecular techniques is preferred. 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 website at: http://www.msstate.edu/dept/grad/admissions or apply online by following the link on the same page. All materials should 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 sent to Dr. Mark Williams in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). I welcome student enquiries about the position via email. Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Mark Williams, Ph.D. 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
