A fully-funded Ph.D. assistantship studying forest pathology and forest disease management is available in Dr. Andrew Nelson's lab in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences at the University of Idaho. The project is in collaboration with Drs. Patrick Bennett and Jason Reinhardt at the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, who will be involved with mentoring, training, project implementation, and ensuring successful outcomes for the student. The student will conduct research on the transmission of root disease pathogens from cut stumps to planted seedlings, resulting in the development of new methods, protocols, and silvicultural strategies for minimizing root disease incidence and severity in managed forests. Field sites will be located on moist mixed-conifer National Forests in northern Idaho.
The expected start date is May 2025. The assistantship includes a competitive stipend, waiver of out-of-state tuition, full coverage of in-state tuition, and health insurance. Additional funds are available for laboratory and field supplies and travel to field sites and present findings at conferences. The student will be based in Moscow, Idaho, adjacent to the Washington state border. The area offers ample outdoor recreational opportunities within a short distance and a vibrant cultural scene. The student will use laboratory and office facilities at the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station in Moscow, Idaho. Housing or other accommodations are available during field work. The lab is fully equipped with instruments and supplies to perform sterile isolations of fungi/microbes, microscopy, DNA extractions, standard and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR and qPCR), gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequence analysis. Required qualifications: * Master of Science degree in biology, botany, plant pathology, forest ecology, natural resources, or related field. Applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the above fields plus research experience may be considered. * Laboratory experience, including preparing dilutions, micropipetting, sterile technique, microscopy, organization and maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment, and laboratory safety. * Familiarity with molecular biology laboratory techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and genetic data analysis. Preferred qualifications: * Experience working with plant/forest pathogens. * Experience identifying fungi using PCR and/or DNA sequencing. * Experience using sterile technique to culture microbial organisms (e.g., fungi and/or bacteria) from the environment. * Ability to maintain a culture collection. * Basic familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS), mobile data collection tools, GPS units, and recording and downloading waypoints. Interested applicants are asked to complete a short questionnaire that can be found here<https://forms.gle/QvKBQgaR21cKScir8>, After completing the questionnaire, applicant must email Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu<mailto:asnel...@uidaho.edu>) with a subject line of "Ph.D. Assistantship Root Pathogen Project" and a short description in the email body introducing yourself. Applicants must attach to the email (i) a detailed cover letter addressing their interests and qualifications for the position, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) contact information for three professional or academic references who can attest to their ability to be successful in this Ph.D. program, (iv) unofficial college transcripts, and (v) examples of past research publications (if available), ALL COMBINED INTO A SINGLE DOCUMENT. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2025. To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
