I am seeking one outstanding PhD student in entomology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton. Current research in my lab explores questions of broad relevance to invasion biology and ecology, emphasizing chemical ecology of forest insects. By doing so, my group integrates multiple disciplines, such as forestry, entomology, pathology, and tree chemistry to characterize interactions among multiple organisms such as trees, insects, and phytopathogens, and determine effects of the environment 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/).

The PhD candidate will focus on an Alberta Ingenuity-funded project emphasizing the roles of native biotic agents, such as insects and diseases, in range and host expansion of mountain pine beetle in western Canada. The goal of this project is to lay out a blueprint of how interactions among trees, insects and microorganisms can be used as a proactive method to understand the risk potential of species invasion. 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. Experience with any of the following will be an asset, but is not required: plant-insect interactions, chemical ecology, and forest ecology. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Tuition and fees and a standard Graduate Assistantship can be offered. Students are also eligible for Tri-Council graduate scholarships (e.g. NSERC) in their first year.

The position is available for January 2011. The applicant must meet the entrance requirement for The University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, which can be viewed at: http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/phdprograms.cfm

Interested candidates should e-mail (1) their transcript, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a letter describing their research experience and interests (2 page limit), (4) recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and (5) the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Nadir Erbilgin, Department of Renewable Resources, 230-A Earth Science Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, CANADA. Phone: (780)-492-8693; Fax: (780)-492-1767. Additional information can be obtained via email or phone call. Email: erbilgin@ualberta.ca.

Additional Information

Department of Renewable Resources – http://www.rr.ualberta.ca