Postdoctoral positionSeedling pathogens and forest dynamics A postdoctoral researcher is needed for a newly funded project on the effects of seedling pathogens on forest dynamics in the context of climate warming. Goals of this research are to identify putative seedling pathogens in a temperate mixed hardwood forest, and determine how seedling density, distance from conspecific adults, and increased temperature influence patterns of seedling demography and fungal community composition.
The postdoc will coordinate a large-scale field project and develop and implement protocols for DNA-based identification of fungi. She or he will be based at Duke University and work in the labs of Jim Clark and Rytas Vilgalys. The project will involve training and supervision of research technicians, and travel to field sites at Harvard Forest. The ideal candidate will possess both strong field and molecular skills and play a role in both the intellectual development of the project along with management of data collection. Start date: immediate through 4/1/2010 Salary negotiable Requirements: Ph.D. in ecology, mycology, plant pathology, or related field Experience coordinating and managing large-scale field studies Strong laboratory and bioinformatics skills, including DNA sequencing and interpretation of sequence data to identify environmental samples Experience culturing fungi preferred, but not required To apply, send a CV, statement of research interests (2 pages max), and contact information for three references by March 21, 2010 to Jim Clark at <[email protected]>. Position is available in spring 2010.
