Graduate student assistantship to study insect agroecology The Plant Sciences department at the University of Wyoming is recruiting a graduate student to conduct research exploring ecological interactions involving pests in cropping systems beginning in Summer 2016. Possible topics include biological pest control by natural enemies, farmer decision-making strategies, and the role of non-crop habitats in agricultural landscapes, depending on student interest and background. The student will serve as a teaching assistant for both face-to-face classes as well as distance-based online education in the department. This assistantship specifically supports *under-represented domestic minority students*, specifically American-born or naturalized citizens of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American-Indian/Alaskan native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American decent *and women, *who are traditionally under-represented in agronomy. The student will be mentored in the areas of research, teaching, public outreach, and career development. More broadly, support and community are present at the University through Multicultural Affairs, including the Multicultural Resource Center and a suite of student organizations, and the Women in Math, Science & Engineering (WiMSE) program.
Required qualifications are a BS in biology, ecology, agronomy, or a related field, independent research experience, demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, and a valid driver’s license, given necessary research travel throughout the state. Preferred qualifications are experience and interest in working with insects and agricultural systems, and interest in innovative teaching strategies. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Randa Jabbour with any questions or for information on how to apply ([email protected], 307-766-3439). Applications are due on February 1, 2016. The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the Rocky Mountains. Located on a high plain between the Laramie and Snowy Range mountain ranges, Laramie has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and near year-round activities including skiing, hiking, camping, bicycling, fishing and climbing. The community provides the advantages of a major university and a distinctive identity as an important city in a frontier state. Laramie is 1-3 hours away from Colorado’s major cities and university communities along the Front Range. The University of Wyoming Under-represented Domestic Minority mentoring Graduate Assistantships (URDM) are intended to increase access and opportunities to graduate education for U.S. students from under-represented/under-served populations and to increase student diversity in our graduate degree programs on a competitive basis. The URDM awards are funded through a partnership of the Office of Academic Affairs and the faculty mentor of the prospective student. The University of Wyoming is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law and University policy. Please see www.uwyo.edu/diversity/fairness
