Subject: PhD position: Insect Agroecology (U of Wyoming)
The Insect Agroecology Lab (supervised by Dr. Randa Jabbour) at the University of Wyoming seeks a PhD student to conduct research on tritrophic interations focused on alfalfa weevil-parasitoid interactions in alfalfa cropping systems. As a PhD student here, you will examine the role of physical disturbances on alfalfa weevil-parasitoid interactions, and your research will take place on both production farms and at our university research farm and greenhouse. You will work alongside a multi-state team of entomologists, agronomists, and ag economists to better understand non-chemical approaches to pest management, improving the sustainability of Western United States croplands. You will have the opportunity, depending on your interests, to train and gain expertise in teaching, outreach and science communication, and be introduced to a diversity of career paths. In addition to the department’s PhD degree in Plant Sciences, you can also consider pursuing your degree in the University of Wyoming’s interdisciplinary PhD program in Ecology (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uwyo.edu%2Fpie%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cda1d186f0a16442156a508d613f4eea9%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340030010282&sdata=0XY4%2F0t8X4cKUijm4hCa3C3NrH4YK%2FUZiBqhpBK3Wx0%3D&reserved=0). This position is funded through the US Department of Agriculture, and has up to 3 years of funding available. You will be strongly encouraged to apply for additional competitive funds while here to further your support.
Preferred qualifications are a MS in entomology, ecology, agronomy, biology, or a related field, experience collaborating with a team and working independently, demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, and a valid driver’s license, given necessary and considerable research travel throughout the state. Competitive applicants will have research experience focused on insect ecology or integrated pest management and experience publishing scientific research. Applicants with a BS and highly relevant work experience will also be considered. Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Please contact Dr. Randa Jabbour (rjabbour@uwyo.edu) with questions and interest. Prospective students should initially send their CV and a short letter (describing interest & past research experience) to Dr. Randa Jabbour (rjabbour@uwyo.edu). Preferred start date for this position is January or May 2019.
The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the Rocky Mountains. Located on a high plain between the Laramie and Snowy Range mountain ranges, Laramie has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and near year-round activities including skiing, hiking, camping, bicycling, fishing and climbing. Laramie also features various art, music, and cultural offerings. Laramie is 1-3 hours away from Colorado’s major cities and university communities along the Front Range.