Graduate Research Assistantship Evolutionary Ecology of Herbivore Defense in Aspen
University of Wisconsin, Madison _______________________________________________ Funding will be available (2015) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to support graduate research, at the Ph.D. (or Masters-Ph.D.) level, on the ecology and evolution of defense in aspen (Populus tremuloides). Aspen is a foundation species in boreal and montane forests of North America and secondary chemistry plays a key role in its interactions with diverse insect and mammalian herbivores. The graduate research assistant will assume primary responsibility for a collaborative project involving the labs of Rick Lindroth (UW Entomology & Zoology) and Eric Kruger (UW Forest & Wildlife Ecology). The research will evaluate the interplay of intraspecific plant competition and growth-defense tradeoffs with respect to the evolutionary trajectories of mixed-genotype aspen stands. Applicants may pursue admission to UW graduate programs in Entomology, Zoology or Forestry. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a premier institution for research in ecology and evolution, and has ranked among the top five research universities in the United States for each of the past 20 years. Graduate students have the opportunity to participate in the thriving Ecology (http://ecology.wisc.edu/) and Evolutionary Biology (http://www.evolution.wisc.edu/) communities at UW-Madison. Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with a strong academic background in plant biology and/or ecology, as well as excellent quantitative and communication skills, are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team. Stipend/benefits: A 50% Graduate Research Assistantship is available beginning in spring, summer or fall semesters of 2014. A 50% RA currently provides a stipend of $20,808 (12 mo.), tuition waiver, and excellent medical/dental health plans at low cost. Applications: Questions about the position may be directed to Rick Lindroth ([email protected]). Interested candidates should e-mail Graduate Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock ([email protected]) a single PDF file containing the following information: -Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds -Resume -Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable) -GRE scores (if not available, indicate when exam will be taken) -Names and contact information for three references Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Promising candidates will be requested to submit a formal application to a UW-Madison graduate program in Entomology, Zoology (Ecology), or Forestry. Note that the application deadline for Zoology is Dec. 31, 2014. _______________________________________________ Richard L. Lindroth, Ph.D. Professor of Ecology, Associate Dean for Research, and Associate Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station 608-262-6792 (Deans office) 608-263-6277 (Lab office) 146 Agriculture Hall 1450 Linden Drive University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI 53706 U.S.A. http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/lindroth/
