The Garnas lab (
http://mypages.unh.edu/garnaslab) seeks a highly motivated graduate
student (MSc or PhD; PhD preferred) for a USDA-APHIS funded project to advance
understanding of how chemical and morphological traits vary across tree size and species,
and how such variation may influence Emerald ash borer (EAB) oviposition behavior, larval
performance and survival, and parasitism by native and introduced natural enemies. Key
aspects of the project include the systematic characterization of defensive compounds
across ash species and tree sizes using pyrolysis-GCMS and the design and implementation
of experiments to examine how chemical and morphological trait variation influences EAB
and its key biological control agents. Successful candidates must have a keen interest in
plant defensive chemistry and associated consequences for plant-insect interactions. Some
basic chemistry background (e.g., coursework or lab experience) is preferred but not
required. Opportunities for related ecological modeling and/or genetic analyses also
exist, particularly in the case of PhD applicants. The position will be housed in the
Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NREN;
https://colsa.unh.edu/nren) or
in the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science program (NRESS;
https://www.unh.edu/nressphd) for MSc v. PhD students respectively. Position ideally
begins in Fall 2018.
The University of New Hampshire and NREN/NRESS programs are home to a vibrant community of
productive researchers with a strong commitment to student success. Located in the town
of Durham, UNH is a beautiful campus surrounded by forest and natural landscapes. Only 30
minutes from the ocean and under two hours from the White Mountains, outdoor and other
recreational activities abound, including right on campus.
Interested applicants, please send:
- a CV
- a brief summary of research interests and any relevant experience
- GRE scores
- contact information for three references
as a single pdf file to jeff.garnas@unh.edu<mailto:jeff.garnas@unh.edu>. Position
will be open until filled.
Apologies for cross-postings.