Postdoc in Vector-Borne Disease Ecology
The Crowder lab at Washington State University (http://entomology.wsu.edu/david-crowder/) is seeking a postdoctoral scientist working in the area of plant-insect-pathogen interactions. The position is available starting April or May, 2017, and is supported for two years, with a possibility of an extension for a third year pending progress. Research in our lab has shown that interactions between insect species that vector pathogens (i.e., aphids and psyllids) and non-vector herbivores (such as weevils) can strongly influence the dynamics of insect-borne pathogens. For example, by feeding on host plants, non-vector species can induce changes in plant defenses and volatiles that can in turn impact vector population dynamics and pathogen transmission. The successful postdoc will be expected to conduct field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments to better understand how species interactions, such as competition between vector and non-vector herbivores, influence the spread of plant pathogens. The research is funded by two USDA grants focusing on disease systems in the Pacific Northwest: (1) Pea-enation mosaic virus: a persistant pathogen transmitted by aphids to legume plants and (2) A bacterial pathogen, Liberibacter solanacearum, which is transmitted by psyllids to potato plants. The ideal postdoc candidate will have experience working in community ecology of insects and/or plant-insect-pathogen interactions. Moreover, experience with chemical and molecular methods to measure plant defenses, nutrient levels, and volatiles is highly desirable. The postdoc will join a diverse lab of researchers working on plant-insect-interactions in a variety of ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. The salary is $42K per year, with benefits. To apply please send a cover letter detailing your interest, a CV, copies of up to 3 relevant reprints, and a list of 3 references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
