One graduate research assistantship is available in the area of weed biology and ecology to pursue a M.S. in Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND starting May 2018. As one facet of his or her research program, the graduate student will conduct field experiments to test various novel mulch materials and living mulches for weed suppression in a certified organic vegetable cropping system. Additional research topics may also be pursued, depending on the interests and abilities of the student. The research project requires travel to a field research site near Absaraka, ND; therefore the student must possess a U.S. driver’s license. The graduate research assistant will establish field/greenhouse/lab studies, collect data, analyze research results, prepare reports, write journal articles, present research results, and prepare a thesis/dissertation. This half-time assistantship will provide a stipend ($17,000 per year) and a full tuition waiver. Prospective students should hold a Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences, agronomy, biology, ecology, environmental science, or other related field. Desired qualifications include a strong quantitative/statistical background, excellent oral and written communication skills, field research experience, and an interest in ecologically-based weed management and organic crop production systems. Other desirable qualities include a strong work ethic, ability to work independently, and experience with managing work flows. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, thorough, and organized. The primary project on which the graduate student will work requires substantial creativity, ingenuity, and ability to think experimentally. The candidate must possess a valid US driver’s license and be capable of operating large trucks and various types of farm machinery. Candidates must also meet the admission requirements of NDSU's Graduate School and the Department of Plant Sciences. Applications must be made on-line through the NDSU Graduate School at http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/. Inquiries should be addressed to: Dr. Greta Gramig, Associate Professor NDSU Department of Plant Sciences P.O. Box 6050, Department 7670 Fargo, ND 58108-6050 Office phone: 701-231-8149 Email: [email protected] THE UNIVERSITY NDSU is a highly regarded and often recognized student-focused, land-grant, research institution. With a land-grant mission to provide quality education, leading-edge research and excellent service, NDSU is acknowledged as a national leader among its peers, and seen by many as a model for success. NDSU was named by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education to the elite "Research University/Very High Research" category, which represents the 108 top-ranked private and public universities in the United States. NDSU is the first and only North Dakota institution to attain the status. NDSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and approximately 135 graduate degree programs of study in nine academic colleges. Degrees are awarded at the doctoral, master’s, professional, and baccalaureate levels. Various undergraduate minors and certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels also are available. Programs offered at the time of this publication are listed in the Programs of Study section of this bulletin or may be viewed online at www.ndsu.edu/majors. NDSU has experienced a remarkable period of growth and expanded academic opportunities, and it is recognized as a national model of the contemporary land-grant institution. NDSU has an enrollment of more than 14,700 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, and its research expenditures surpass $150 million annually. THE COMMUNITY The home of NDSU, Fargo is a bustling metropolitan area that is often listed as one of the best places to live in the country. Fargo is quietly earning a reputation as a perfect place to make a home. Nestled in the rich farmlands of the Red River Valley, the Fargo-Moorhead community has many qualities that contribute to this reputation, including a highly respected educational system; advanced medical technology; a progressive business community; numerous cultural and arts opportunities; clean air and water; and good-hearted, friendly people. Fargo-Moorhead is among the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. More than 200,000 people make their home in Cass and Clay Counties. One of the reasons people choose NDSU as a place to get a good education is that the F-M community provides students access to part-time jobs, internships, parks and other recreational facilities, entertainment, and cultural amenities.
