NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Summer 2010 Plant Virus Ecology
POSITION SUMMARY The Mitchell Lab (Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is seeking one REU student to conduct independent research on the ecology of viruses that infect plants. The research will be part of our research project on the joint effects of global change and biological invasions on insect-vectored generalist pathogens (http://www.bio.unc.edu/faculty/mitchell/lab/InvasionEID.htm). The REU student will work as part of a team including two Ph.D. students, a technician, and a postdoctoral researcher. The REU student will conduct greenhouse experiments to examine the factors that control (A) virus transmission, and (B) virus impacts on host fitness. The student will receive training in fundamental concepts and theories of the ecology of infectious disease. These concepts and theories are largely general across systems, spanning human and wildlife hosts as well as plants. Additionally, the REU student will further broaden their research experience by contributing to other research projects on the ecology of infectious disease (this will be a minority of the total time, and may occasionally be outdoors). The project could become a senior honors thesis. The ideal student will be preparing to enter a graduate (M.S. or Ph.D.) program in Ecology or a related field in Biology or Environmental Sciences. The full-time stipend is $450 per week, over 13 weeks ($5850 total). Alternatively, two half-time students (e.g. taking summer classes) could split the position. The position may begin as early as Monday 10 May 2010, and end as late as Friday 20 August 2010 (15 weeks total, allowing the student two weeks off). The student will be responsible for reporting the stipend as taxable income. The student must arrange his/her own housing. REU is a program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). REU students must be enrolled in a degree program leading to a baccalaureate degree (i.e. to be eligible, you must not be graduating until at least Fall 2010). Additionally, REU students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program particularly encourages applications from women, underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities. To apply, please email Dr. Charles Mitchell at [email protected]: (A) a one page cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position, summarizes any relevant experience, and states whether you seek a full-time or half-time position, (B) a resume including your institution, major, expected graduation date, relevant courses, GPA, citizenship or permanent resident status, and work / research experience (if any), (C) the name and contact information for two people who can provide letters of reference. Letters will be requested only for semi-finalists, and official transcripts will be requested from finalists. Applications will be reviewed until a highly qualified student is hired. To guarantee full consideration, apply by 31 March 2010.
