A PhD student position is available in the Casteel lab at UC Davis, starting in August 2014.
The primary research goal of the Casteel lab is to identify the functions of microbes in plant-insect interactions and elucidate the key molecular mechanisms responsible for these relationships. Current focus of the lab is on (1) the molecular genetics of plant signaling and defense in response to insect vectors and the viral pathogens they transmit and (2) how the elements of global change will affect the functions of microbes in plant-insect interactions. We use a combination of molecular biology, genetics, genomics and biochemistry together with field and laboratory trials to elucidate mechanisms underlying ecologically important relationships. For more detail see: (http://plantpathology.ucdavis.edu /faculty/Clare_Casteel/) Applicants for the PhD position should have, or expect to obtain a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees in a relevant area. I am particularly interested in students with experience or strong interest in bioinformatics, protein-protein interactions or virology/bacteriology. Questions about these positions should be directed to [email protected]. Please include a brief description of your interests and CV. Informal enquiries are also welcome. The priority deadline for PhD applicants at UC Davis is Jan 2 2014 for the Department of Plant Pathology .
