Hello All,

I am searching for a Ph.D. student to look at resistance to Septoria musiva in hybrid poplar plantations. I have included the job description and application information below. Please feel free to forward this to any interested individuals.

Sincerely,

Jared LeBoldus

POSITION INFORMATION:

Dr. Jared LeBoldus is seeking an outstanding student to pursue a PhD degree in Forest Pathology in Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University (http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/plantpath/faculty/jared-leboldus).  Dr. LeBoldus is an Assistant Professor of Plant pathology and has worked for 7 years on disease issues related to forest trees. He has focused on epidemiology in plantation forestry and resistance of Populus species and there hybrids to disease.

The PhD student's research will focus on a 3-year project emphasizing the resistance to Septoria musiva, a fungal pathogen of poplar trees. The student will develop a RT-PCR protocol to quantify pathogen development in host tissue and for use as a diagnostic tool for pathogen detection in the field. The student will also conduct inoculation experiments and use a variety of molecular techniques (e.g.: association mapping, QTL analysis, etc...) to identify resistance genes in the host population and/or virulence factors in the pathogen population.

Depending on the interests of the student this project also offers considerable opportunities and flexibility in designing a research program that investigates areas of specific interest in the context of the overall framework of the project.

Background in plant pathology and or a related field is required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is also a requirement. Experience in plant pathogen interactions, forest pathology, or forest ecology, molecular biology and genetics would be an asset; however, it is not required. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, reference letters, and previous research experience. Strong verbal, written and analytical skills are also essential. A Graduate Research Assistantship and tuition waiver will be provided. Students may also be eligible for other scholarships.

The position is available starting June 2012. The starting date is negotiable and can be as late as January 2013. The applicant must meet the entrance requirements for North Dakota State University, Department of Plant Pathology; which can be viewed at: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/plantpath.  Applications must be submitted to the graduate school online at http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/.

Any questions about this opportunity should be directed to Dr. LeBoldus at jared.leboldus@ndsu.edu