*Area of Research*: Chemical Ecology & Ecophysiology
*Location*: Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta,
Edmonton (Alberta, Canada)
*Description of positions*: The interdisciplinary project goal is to
characterize
the contributions that metabolomics and genomics-assisted tree breeding can
play in comprehensive forest planning. Postdoctoral fellows (PDFs) sought
for this project to assess the activities of tree defense and
ecophysiological responses to insect herbivory and drought. The PDFs will
characterize the secondary compounds, anatomy, and ecophysiology of two
conifer species (lodgepole pine and white spruce) in response to insect
herbivory and drought treatments in both greenhouse trials and associated
progeny field trials in Alberta. The PDFs will be responsible for
conducting and coordinating both lab and field investigations that include
anatomical and chemical characterization of tree defenses, assessment of 13C,
gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence plant drought response,
implementation of greenhouse and field experiments, data management,
statistical analyses, writing reports and peer-reviewed journal
manuscripts, and interact with industrial and government partners. The PDFs
will also assist with supervision of full and part-time research assistants
and undergraduate students. Even though each PDF will have his/her own
research projects, it is expected that they work and collaborate together.
*Salary*: $50,000+ benefits per year, commensurate with experience.
*Required qualifications*: PhD in a relevant field is required. The ideal
candidate should have background and experience in chemical ecology,
ecophysiology, entomology, forest ecology, with strong analytical chemistry
of plant secondary compounds (primarily terpenes and phenolics) using GC-MS
and LC-MS, and writing skills. Suitable applicants with a primary
background in one or more areas, plus interest in other research areas, are
encouraged to apply.
*Application instructions*: All individuals interested in these positions
must submit: (1) an updated CV; and (2) a cover letter explaining their
qualities, including a list of 3 references and along with their contact
information (a maximum of 2 pages). Applications should be sent by email to
Nadir Erbilgin (erbilgin(a)aulberta.ca) and Barb Thomas (bthomas(a)ualberta.ca)
by the closing date. Please list “PDF application in Tree Responses to
Insect Herbivores and Drought” in the subject heading.
*Closing date*: November 30, 2016.
*Supervisors*: Nadir Erbilgin (
https://sites.ualberta.ca/~erbilgin/) and
Barb Thomas (
http://www.rr.ualberta.ca/StaffProfiles/AcademicStaff/Thomas.aspx)
*Expected start date*: January 2017 (with some flexibility)
*Terms*: 1-4 years (1st year initial appointment, with additional years
subject to satisfactory performance).
*Note: Nadir Erbilgin will be attending to the ICE meeting in Orlando in
September. Potential applicants with questions related to the positions
should arrange a meeting him.*
*--------------*
*Nadir Erbilgin*
*Canada Research Chair & Associate Professor*
*Department of Renewable Resources*
*4-42 Earth Sciences Building*
*University of Alberta*
*Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6G 2E3*
*Phone: (780)-492-8693*
*Fax: (780)-492-1767*