he Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens invites applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic students for a Ph.D. Assistantship starting in Summer/Fall 2018. This collaborative work will be conducted with Dr. Kamal Gandhi (Warnell School of Forestry) and Dr. Kier Klepzig (Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center). The project focuses on bark beetle (Ips avulsus), tree (longleaf pine), and environment interactions (fire, drought, etc.) as they affect the life-cycle of the beetle and its symbionts (fungi and mites). The ideal candidate would possess both field and laboratory experience related to entomology, mycology and/ or ecology, a strong statistical background, and an independent spirit to develop, conduct, and publish research. A MS Degree in a related field, especially in forest entomology, pathology, or ecology is a prerequisite for the position. As a part of the graduate program, extensive fieldwork in longleaf pine forests in southwestern Georgia will be required. The Forest Entomology Laboratory (http://www.kamal.gandhi.uga.edu/) at the University of Georgia is a dynamic group that works on a broad range of ecological issues, forest insect species, and ecosystems across the country. The mission of the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center (http://www.jonesctr.org) is to provide excellence in natural resource management and conservation of southeastern coastal plain ecosystems. Further training in forest ecology, entomology, and pathology will be provided. A competitive PhD assistantship for 3-4 years along with full tuition waiver is available. Interested students should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with contact information for 3 references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kamal Gandhi ([email protected]; 706-542-4614). The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the South, has >70 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology. The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has >23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities. The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/) is a “land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state's oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education”. Its motto is: "to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things”. The University of Georgia is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
