PhD Assistantship, Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse NY I am seeking one PhD student for a collaborative project focused on the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in Pinaceae invasion in Argentina to begin summer or Fall 2010. Collaborators are Daniel Simberloff and Martin Nuñez at the University of Tennessee. The position is funded through NSF with three years of salary and tuition waiver. The project site is on Isla Victoria on Lake Nahuel Huapi, Argentina's first National Park where a century ago 135+ exotic tree species were planted, including many that are invasive in other locations. Surprisingly, few of the species have invaded the native Nothofagus forest on Isla Victoria. The work follows previous research at the site. The current project is designed to investigate how mycorrhizal fungi support establishment of the exotic conifers at distances away from plantations. Specifically, the student will help in our efforts to quantify the role of dispersal of ectomycorrhizal fungi via wind and animal dispersed spores, and spread of hyphal networks. Students with a Master's degree in mycology, plant ecology, soil science, or related fields, and those with experience using molecular approaches are encouraged to apply. Find details of the Horton lab and links to the departmental and university web sites at http://www.esf.edu/EFB/horton/.
Application: Please send (by March 30, 2010) 1) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies are OK initially), 2) CV, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) a research statement which describes your interest in the position, your career goals, and details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position. Send materials (PDF preferred) to [email protected] or via surface mail to Tom Horton, Dept. of EFB, 1 Forestry Drive, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
