[ECOLOG-L] Two Ph.D. Assistantships Available in Forest Entomology and Ecology University of Georgia, Athens

2018-01-19 Thread Brittany Barnes
Two Ph.D. Assistantships Available in Forest Entomology and Ecology

University of Georgia, Athens

 

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University 
of Georgia, Athens invites applications from highly motivated and 
enthusiastic students for two Ph.D. Assistantships starting in 
Summer/Fall 2018.  The first project will focus on multiple interactions 
between longleaf pine, bark beetles, and their symbionts (fungi and 
mites) under disturbance regimes (fire).  This project will be 
collaborative between Dr. Kamal Gandhi (Warnell School of Forestry) and 
Dr. Kier Klepzig (Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center).  The 
second multidisciplinary project with Dr. Gandhi will focus on the 
community, population, and/or chemical ecology of bark beetles under 
forest management practices in southeastern pine stands.  The ideal 
candidates would possess both field and laboratory experience related to 
entomology, ecology, and/or mycology, a strong statistical background, 
and an independent spirit to develop, conduct, and publish research.  A 
M.S. 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 southeastern U.S. will be 
required.

 

The Forest Entomology Laboratory 
(https://kjgandhi.wixsite.com/gandhi-lab) 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.  
Full training in forest ecology, entomology, and pathology will be 
provided.  Two competitive Ph.D. assistantships for 3-4 years along with 
full tuition waiver are available.  Interested students should submit a 
statement of interest, current CV along with contact information for 
three references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Gandhi 
(kjgan...@uga.edu; 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.



Best wishes,



Kamal 




[ECOLOG-L] Two Ph.D. Assistantships Available in Forest Entomology and Ecology

2018-01-18 Thread Brittany Barnes
Two Ph.D. Assistantships Available in Forest Entomology and Ecology

University of Georgia, Athens

 

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University 
of Georgia, Athens invites applications from highly motivated and 
enthusiastic students for two Ph.D. Assistantships starting in 
Summer/Fall 2018.  The first project will focus on multiple interactions 
between longleaf pine, bark beetles, and their symbionts (fungi and 
mites) under disturbance regimes (fire).  This project will be 
collaborative between Dr. Kamal Gandhi (Warnell School of Forestry) and 
Dr. Kier Klepzig (Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center).  The 
second multidisciplinary project with Dr. Gandhi will focus on the 
community, population, and/or chemical ecology of bark beetles under 
forest management practices in southeastern pine stands.  The ideal 
candidates would possess both field and laboratory experience related to 
entomology, ecology, and/or mycology, a strong statistical background, 
and an independent spirit to develop, conduct, and publish research.  A 
M.S. 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 southeastern U.S. will be 
required.

 

The Forest Entomology Laboratory (https://kjgandhi.wixsite.com/gandhi-
lab) 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.  Full training in forest ecology, entomology, and 
pathology will be provided.  Two competitive Ph.D. assistantships for 3-
4 years along with full tuition waiver are available.  Interested 
students should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with 
contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts to 
Dr. Gandhi (kjgan...@uga.edu; 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.



Best wishes,



Kamal 




[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Assistantship in Forest Entomology, Pathology, and Ecology

2017-09-25 Thread Brittany Barnes
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 
(kjgan...@uga.edu; 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.


[ECOLOG-L] MS Assistantship- Forest Pathology

2017-09-07 Thread Brittany Barnes
A fully funded two-year position for an exceptional graduate student
(Master of Science level) is available at the Villari Forest Pathology
Lab (http://villarilab.com/), in the Warnell School of Forestry and
Natural Resources, University of Georgia (www.warnell.uga.edu).

The incoming student will pursue research on laurel wilt, a devastating
fungal disease that is decimating redbay and threatening other
lauraceous species in the Southeastern US, including sassafras and
avocado. The project will focus on the use of molecular diagnostic tools
(in particular Loop Mediated Isotheral Amplification) to detect the
pathogen directly in the field, and on the study of host defense
responses and resistance mechanisms. Both molecular and metabolomics
approaches will be used during the course of the project. Research work
will involve statewide travel (often independently), as well as campus-
based research. It will include field, greenhouse, and lab experiments,
data and sample collection, data analysis and scientific
writing. A valid driving license is required.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and independent person who has
good communication skills. A Bachelor of Science degree is required for
admission to the MS program. Students with undergraduate degrees in
plant pathology, forestry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology,
botany, genetics, natural resources or closely related life sciences
discipline are particularly encouraged to apply.

The research assistantship includes a competitive stipend in accordance
with the UGA Warnell School pay scale and a tuition waiver.

To be considered for this position, interested candidates are encouraged
to directly contact Dr. Caterina Villari (cvill...@uga.edu) with a
single PDF contain (1) statement of interest, (2) curriculum vitae, (3)
unofficial transcripts and GRE scores (and TOFEL if appropriate), (3) up
to three examples of publications (optional) and (4) contact information
for 3 references. In the subject line of the email please follow this
example “[your name] – MS Assistantship”.

Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis.
Obtaining of the position is contingent upon acceptance into the
graduate program of the Warnell School of Forestry and
Natural Resources. (see https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-
students/applyinggraduate-school). Admission requirements include
minimum 3.0 Undergraduate GPA and 1000 (V+Q) GRE score.


[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship- Forest Pathology

2017-09-07 Thread Brittany Barnes
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia

A fully funded three-year position for an exceptional doctoral student 
is available at the Villari Forest Pathology Lab 
(http://villarilab.com/), in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural
Resources, University of Georgia (www.warnell.uga.edu). 

The incoming doctoral student will pursue research on bark beetle-
associated blue-stain fungi and their interaction with Southern pines, 
with particular emphasis on host defense responses and resistance 
mechanisms mediated by secondary metabolites. Both molecular and
metabolomics approaches will be used during the course of the project. 
Research work will involve statewide travel (often independently), as 
well as campus-based research. It will include field, greenhouse, and 
lab experiments, data and sample collection, data analysis and 
scientific writing. A valid driving license is required.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and independent person who has 
good communication skills. A Master’s degree is required for admission 
to the PhD program. Students with undergraduate or graduate degrees in 
plant pathology, entomology, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, 
forestry or botany are particularly encouraged to apply.

The research assistantship includes a competitive stipend in accordance 
with the UGA Warnell School pay scale and a tuition waiver.

To be considered for this position, interested candidates are encouraged 
to directly contact Dr. Caterina Villari (cvill...@uga.edu) with a 
single PDF contain (1) statement of interest, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) 
unofficial transcripts and GRE scores (and TOFEL if appropriate), (3) up 
to three examples of publications (optional) and (4) contact information 
for 3 references. In the subject line of the email please follow this 
example “[your name] – PhD Assistantship”.

Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis. 
Obtaining of the position is contingent upon acceptance into the 
graduate program of the Warnell School of Forestry and
Natural Resources. (see https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-
students/applyinggraduate-school).
Admission requirements include minimum 3.5 Graduate GPA and 1200 (V+Q)


[ECOLOG-L] Entomology/ Microbiology Lead Technician

2017-09-06 Thread Brittany Barnes
The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center invites applications for 
the Entomology/ Microbiology Lead Technician position. The employee will 
supervise and assist primarily in conducting studies of insect and 
fungal diversity, interactions and functional roles in longleaf pine 
forests.  The 28,000-acre Research Center is located approximately 30 
miles south of Albany, Georgia. The Center’s research, education, and 
conservation programs focus on ecology and natural resource management. 
The site includes 16,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, over 1,000 
acres of wetlands, and 26 miles of stream and river ecosystems.  Further 
information about the Jones Ecological Research Center can be found on 
the web site at www.jonesctr.org.
 
Job Requirements: Duties will include collecting and identifying insects 
and fungal cultures from trees and surrounding substrate, preparing, 
isolating into pure culture and analyzing samples; measuring diversity 
of insects and microbes in forest stands and understory; measuring 
interactions of insects and fungi with trees and understory plants, and 
maintaining a culture and insect collection. Duties will also include 
field crew supervision, data entry, and creation of data summaries, 
graphics, and elementary statistical analyses. Desired qualifications 
include interest in entomology and microbiology of southern pine 
forests; ability to learn to identify common insects and fungi of trees, 
shrubs and understory plants of the southeastern coastal plain; ability 
to use sterile isolation equipment such as biological safety cabinets, 
dissecting microscopes and compound microscopes; experience with 
statistical software such as SAS or R; a strong organizational ethic; 
ability to use spreadsheets and databases for data entry; and sufficient 
stamina for full-day outdoor data-collection work in summer in the 
southeast.  
 
Qualifications: Master’s degree in entomology, mycology, microbiology or 
a related science
 
Wages:  Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications 
and experience.  Also included is a competitive benefits package. 
 
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, list of three 
references with contact information, and the date they are available to 
begin working to: j...@jonesctr.org Subject line: 
Entomology/Microbiology Lead Technician, or by mail to: 
Entomology/Microbiology Lead Technician, Joseph W. Jones Ecological 
Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA 39870, or FAX to 
(229)734-4707, Attn: Forest Ecology Lead Technician.
 
For additional information regarding the position contact Dr. Kier 
Klepzig by email at:
kier.klep...@jonesctr.org or (229) 734-4706 ext #224.   Review of 
applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position 
is filled.
 
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The Joseph 
W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Ichauway, Inc. is an Equal 
Opportunity/Affirmative Action/E-Verify Employer.


[ECOLOG-L] CALL FOR PAPERS – SPECIAL ISSUE OF FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

2017-04-28 Thread Brittany Barnes
CALL FOR PAPERS – SPECIAL ISSUE OF FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

Resilience and Health of Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) Forests under Novel 
and 
Historical Factors in Eastern North America

Focus of the Special Issue
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is amongst the most valuable conifer species 
in eastern 
North America.  During the last century, it's abundance, prevalence, and 
regeneration has been 
severely affected by clearcutting activities, introduction of non-native white 
pine blister rust, and 
native white pine weevil in the eastern forests.  Further, during the last two 
decades, it has 
undergone unprecedented dieback and mortality due to previously innocuous 
native insect and 
pathogen species across its wide range.  Current research being conducted 
includes the spatial 
and temporal patterns of dieback and mortality of eastern white pine; 
associated incidence of 
needle diseases, canker diseases, and a scale insect; forest structure and 
composition, and 
soils affecting pine health; management strategies to maintain pine health; and 
economic 
implications of declining white pine stands.  In addition, white pine blister 
rust continues to be a 
major factor inhibiting pine regeneration, and southern pine beetle has 
increased its range and 
impact into northern pine forests.
 
We aim to publish papers related to eastern white pine dieback due to both 
novel and historical 
factors in a single journal issue to provide a cohesive picture and synthesize 
current state-of 
the-art knowledge on its health.  We encourage and welcome researchers, 
scientists, and 
foresters working in various parts of the eastern white pine range to submit 
articles to the 
Special Issue of the journal Forest Ecology and Management on the emerging and 
continuing 
issues related to its health, management, and restoration.  Such a timely 
synthesis in a Special 
Issue will provide an in-depth resolution and recommendations for the long-term 
sustainability 
of eastern white pine, which is an iconic and invaluable conifer species in 
eastern North 
America.

Plan to send your interest to join the Special Issue to the Guest Editor - 
Kamal J.K. Gandhi (e-
mail:kjgan...@uga.edu), including an extended abstract of your planned 
manuscript to receive 
feedback from the editorial team about the suitability of your contribution to 
the Special Issue.  
Submission deadline for Editor evaluation is 31st July 2017.  Further details 
about the 
submission process is at:  https://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-
management/call-for-papers/special-issue-on-the-resilience-and-health-of-eastern-white
 
Editorial Team
- Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi (Guest Editor, Associate Professor, D.B. Warnell School 
of Forestry 
and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA)
 - Dr. William H. Livingston (Guest Editor, Professor, School of Natural 
Resources, University of 
Maine, Orono, Maine, USA)
 - Dr. Isabel A. Munck (Guest Editor, Plant Pathologist, Northeastern Area, 
State and Private 
Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Durham, New Hampshire, USA)
 - Dr. Todd Fredericksen (Overseeing Editor, Forest Ecology and Management, 
Ferrum College, 
USA)


[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Forest Insect Pollinator Ecology University of Georgia

2017-03-23 Thread Brittany Barnes
The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University 
of Georgia, Athens invites applications from highly motivated and 
enthusiastic potential postdoctoral researchers starting in 
Spring/Summer 2017.  This collaborative work will be conducted with Dr. 
Kamal J.K. Gandhi and Dr. James Martin (Warnell School of Forestry and 
Natural Resources).  This project focuses on the interactions between 
forest insect pollinators and various management practices in North 
America.  The ideal candidate would possess a strong background in 
entomology, ecology, and statistics with an independent spirit to 
develop, conduct, and publish research.  Experience with meta-analyses 
is preferred.  A Ph.D. in a related field, especially in forest ecology 
and entomology is a prerequisite for the position.  
 
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 Martin Wildlife Ecology Laboratory 
(https://www.warnell.uga.edu/people/faculty/dr-james-martin) studies 
many aspects of ecology, management, and conservation of game, non-game, 
and endangered species in managed ecosystems.  Interested personnel 
should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with contact 
information for three references to Dr. Gandhi (kjgan...@uga.edu; 706-
542-4614).  Also, contact Dr. Gandhi for further details about the 
forest insect pollinator project.
 
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.