Subject: MSc or PhD opportunity – Examining susceptibility to the Emerald ash borer (EAB) in the ash understory, University of New Hampshire

The Garnas lab (http://mypages.unh.edu/garnaslab) seeks a highly motivated graduate student (MSc or PhD; PhD preferred) for a USDA-APHIS funded project to advance understanding of how chemical and morphological traits vary across tree size and species, and how such variation may influence Emerald ash borer (EAB) oviposition behavior, larval performance and survival, and parasitism by native and introduced natural enemies. Key aspects of the project include the systematic characterization of defensive compounds across ash species and tree sizes using pyrolysis-GCMS and the design and implementation of experiments to examine how chemical and morphological trait variation influences EAB and its key biological control agents. Successful candidates must have a keen interest in plant defensive chemistry and associated consequences for plant-insect interactions. Some basic chemistry background (e.g., coursework or lab
experience) is preferred but not required. Opportunities for related ecological modeling and/or genetic analyses also exist, particularly in the case of PhD applicants.  The position will be housed in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NREN;
https://colsa.unh.edu/nren) or in the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science program (NRESS;https://www.unh.edu/nressphd) for MSc and PhD students respectively. Position ideally begins in Fall 2018.

The University of New Hampshire and NREN/NRESS programs are home to a vibrant community of productive researchers with a strong commitment to student success.  Located in the town of Durham, UNH is a beautiful campus surrounded by forest and natural landscapes.  Only 30 minutes from the ocean and under two hours from the White Mountains, outdoor and other recreational activities abound, including right on campus.

Interested applicants, please send:

– a CV
– a brief summary of research interests and any relevant experience
– GRE scores
– contact information for three references

as a single pdf file to jeff.garnas@unh.edu.  Position will be open until filled.

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