NSF/CAFS PhD Assistantship: Endophytes for improved growth and disease resistance of forest trees. There have now been many demonstrations of the effects of endophytes on plants that range from positive (i.e., mutualism) to negative (i.e., parasitism). This project addresses research areas of site resource utilization with select endophytes and growth, yield and quality of forest plantations. Of fundamental interest is the opportunity to research endophyte community assembly rules under ecologically realistic conditions in a range of host plants including species of Populus and Pinus. Qualifications: * MS degree in mycology, ecology, plant pathology, or related field Prior to formal application to the University of Idaho [Moscow, Idaho, USA] please initially email a letter of interest with your curriculum vitae to George Newcombe at georgen(a)uidaho.edu <mailto:georgen@uidaho.edu> . George Newcombe, Professor University of Idaho Forest Pathology and Plant Symbiosis Center for Research on Invasive Species and Small Populations Moscow, ID 83844-1133. georgen(a)uidaho.edu <mailto:georgen@uidaho.edu> http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/crissp/newcombe_g.htm <http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/crissp/newcombe_g.htm> http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/forres/people/faculty/newcombe.asp <http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/forres/people/faculty/newcombe.asp>