Graduate Student-PhD, forest pathology (genetics/genomics)
Position Description:
The Forest Pathology Lab at Michigan State University (East Lansing,
MI) is accepting applications for a graduate student (PhD level) to
start as a research assistant in the Summer of 2017 and to enroll for
Fall 2017. We are looking for a highly-motivated individual to study
the population genomics of Ceratocystis fagacearum, the pathogen behind
the devastating disease of oaks “oak wilt”. This is a unique
opportunity to combine traditional plant pathology research
(microscopy, field and culture work) with molecular and bioinformatics
approaches (PCR, qPCR and genome resequencing analyses). The candidate
will identify the population structure of C. fagacearum in the US and
evaluate known assays and, if required, develop novel molecular assays
to detect the pathogen. Furthermore, the candidate will investigate
seasonal variation in infection of red oak by C. fagacearum and
seasonal variation in red oak susceptibility. The candidate will be
part of a larger project focused on identifying high-risk periods of C.
fagacearum transmission and infection in Michigan. For further
information please go to the following web link:
https://forestpathology.msu.edu/research/oak-wilt/.
The Graduate student will have the option of a degree from either the
Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences or the Department of
Forestry, depending on their interests. The student will be supported
with three years of stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance.
Additional fellowship opportunities for graduate students at Michigan
State University are also available.
Position Requirements:
The ideal applicant will have an MSc and experience and interest in
molecular biology of tree pathogens, particularly in population
genetics/genomics and detection assays. Applicants must have a degree
in a relevant area, including plant pathology, forestry, mycology,
genomics, bioinformatics, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology,
botany, or other biological sciences. They should be self-motivated,
have strong interpersonal skills and be capable of working in a
multidisciplinary team. They must be able to perform experiments
independently and write scientific publications and other documents.
Applicants with prior experience in next-gen sequencing,
bioinformatics, pcr and qPCR are encouraged to apply. Excellent
communication, reading, and writing skills in English are also desired.
The selected candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in
the U.S. by the start date. Additionally, candidates will need to meet
the minimum requirements outlined by Michigan State University’s
Graduate program (https://grad.msu.edu/).
Instructions For Applying:
If you are interested in this position please contact Dr. Monique
Sakalidis via email at sakalidi@msu.edu. Include a short statement of
interest, your CV and the contact details of three references. To be
accepted into the graduate program you will need to apply through the
MSU Graduate School https://grad.msu.edu/apply. Applications must be
received by April 20^th, 2017 to receive full consideration.
Specific information regarding the Plant pathology graduate program
please see http://www.psm.msu.edu/degree_cerficate_programs.
Specific information regarding the Forestry graduate program please see
http://www.for.msu.edu/graduate/important_information_for_graduate_appl
icants.
Organization Description:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer and the Department Plant, Soil and
Microbial Sciences and the Department of Forestry is committed to
promoting diversity in research.
Organization Website: www.msu.edu
Closing Date: April 20^th 2017
Monique Sakalidis <sakalidi@msu.edu>