The Schaeffer Lab in the Department of Biology at Utah State University
(USU) is looking for MS/PhD students starting Fall 2019. Potential to start
earlier however may be possible for the right candidate.
The lab uses experiments and field studies, coupled with chemical,
molecular, and bioinformatic techniques, to examine the ecology and
evolution of cross-kingdom interactions between plants, insects, and
microbes in both natural and human-modified ecosystems. Many research
topics can be pursued, including but not limited to, the chemical and
evolutionary ecology of plant-pollinator-microbe interactions,
microbial-assisted biocontrol of plant disease and invasives, among others.
Students are welcome to work on systems in which research is already being
pursued in the lab; however, I strongly encourage development of
independent lines of research, as well as pursuit of external funding
to support
those efforts.
The Department of Biology and USU offer excellent opportunities for
education, training, funding, and collaboration. All graduate students in
the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for up
to 3 (MS students) or 6 (PhD students) years through a combination of
fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
Moreover, abundant opportunities for collaboration exist, given the vibrant
research community that spans across the Biology department, Ecology
Center, and two USDA-ARS labs focused on pollinating insects and poisonous
plants respectively. Finally, being centered in the Cache Valley of
northern Utah, Logan offers abundant recreation opportunities, given close
proximity to the Wasatch Range, as well as National parks.
Prospective students should email me (schaeffer.robert@gmail.com) with a
note expressing research interests, as well as a description of your past
research experience. Please include your C.V. and contact information for
three references. Ideal applicants will have: background in plant or
microbial ecology, or related subject; strong written and oral
communication skills, strong quantitative and/or bioinformatic skills;
ability to work independently or part of a collaborative team.
Robert Schaeffer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor (starting Jan 2019)
Department of Biology
Utah State University
schaeffer.robert@gmail.com