The Invasive Plant Science Lab in the Department of Plants, Soils & Climate at Utah State University has immediate openings for MS and PhD graduate students. In general, projects will be focused on invasive plants in natural area and agroecosystem settings with basic and applied emphasis. Topics for research studies will include climate change, resistance mechanisms, plant competition, belowground (root) characterization, landscape dynamics, modelling, and others yet to be determined. Together, studies of individual plants will lead to a better understanding of the factors contributing to invasion success and how management can be designed to best limit it. See the Invasive Plant Science Lab website for more information:https://psc.ou.usu.edu/invasive-plant-science/
Currently, two projects are underway addressing medusahead in rangelands and kochia in cropping systems with new projects being developed to address green foxtail in organic production systems, common reed in riparian and wetland systems under extreme drought, spotted knapweed in rangelands, dyer’s woad on marginal lands, and biocontrol of Canada thistle. Students with a background and interest in fields related to invasive plants are particularly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should email Dr. Steve Young (steve.young@usu.edu) a single pdf that includes: 1) letter of application describing educational background, research experience, career goals, and professional interests, 2) resume or CV, 3) contact information for at least three references, and 4) GRE and TOEFL scores (if required). Review of applicants will continue until the positions are filled.
Utah State University is located in picturesque Logan, UT, a community of 100,000 people situated 85 miles north of Salt Lake City. Logan has a low cost of living and is located in a semi-rural mountain basin with nearby ski resorts, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and mountains providing unparalleled recreational opportunities.