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