[IUFRO RG 7.03 FORENT] Postdoctoral Fellow Position: Chemical Ecology

Post-Doctoral Fellow Position: Chemical Ecology of Plant-Insect Interactions Department of Renewable Resources - University of Alberta Position duration - until Dec 31, 2011 with a strong possibility of extension Closing date - open until filled The candidate will become an integral member of a fast moving, multidisciplinary team researching the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation in Western Canada. This research will be conducted in my lab which explores questions of broad relevance to invasion biology and ecology, emphasizing chemical ecology of forest insects. My program objectives are to characterize the role of plant defenses mediating interactions between insect herbivores and phytopathogens, and determine effects of soil resources such as nutrients and water on the tripartite interactions. I currently supervise one PhD and three MSc students and co-supervise one MSc and one PhD students and one post-doctoral fellow (for more details, please visit: http://www.ualberta.ca/~erbilgin/). Depending on the interest and quality of the applicant, the project offers considerable flexibility in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal interest within the overall framework of the project. Background in ecology, entomology, chemical ecology, or a related field is required, as is an interest in the linkages between trees and insects. Knowledge and experience with GC-MS is required, and experience with plants and insects and HPLC is preferred. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. Selection of the postdoctoral fellow will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. The candidate will be responsible for: 1. Conducting field and laboratory experiments to understand tree-mediated interactions among various interacting organisms, including insects and diseases on the same host plant; 2. Collection, extraction, identification, and quantification of volatile and non-volatile host defensive chemicals, mainly terpenoids and phenolics; 3. Conduct behavioural bioassays to assess the impact of host defensive chemistry on fitness of insects and phytopathogens; 4. Possibility of supervising graduate students in the field and in the lab. Interested individuals should submit an application package (cover letter and curriculum vitae) and name and contact information of three references. In accordance with University of Alberta Policy, applicants should have no more than three years' post-doctoral experience. Salary is commensurate with experience. Electronic applications are preferred. Additional Information Department of Renewable Resources - http://www.rr.ualberta.ca Postdoctoral Fellows Office - http://www.postdoc.ualberta.ca