POST-DOCTORAL POSITION: PLANT VIRUS AND VECTOR ECOLOGY
We are seeking candidates for a new post-doctoral position in plant
virus and vector ecology at Michigan State University (MSU). In
plant virus ecology, a central research priority is to advance
understanding of the factors that promote exchange of plant viruses
among patches of managed and natural vegetation. Virus dispersal and
diversification rates can be influenced by virus and vector
interactions with host plant traits, by community interactions that
amplify or dampen pest pressures, and by the distribution of
vegetation and other environmental drivers across landscapes. A key
question is how these factors interact to determine the conditions
under which individual vegetation patches serve either as net sources
of pathogenic viruses and their vectors or as sinks for them. Our
project addresses this question in the context of bioenergy
landscapes that contain a spectrum of related host species and
populations that range from wildtype to those highly selected for
biofuel-valued traits. Under some conditions, selection for
biofuel-valued traits may increase host susceptibility to viruses and
insect pests. There is thus strong need to identify and assess
fundamental mechanisms promoting virus proliferation and dispersal,
to quantify the potential for virus exchange among bioenergy crops
and other landscape compartments, and to develop effective strategies
for mitigating virus spread where needed. In addressing these needs,
the project will combine empirical studies with molecular
phylogeography and geospatial analyses.
The post-doctoral position with this project offers well-supported
opportunities for an outstanding young scientist to take the lead in
shaping research and advancing understanding in this exciting area of
plant virus ecology. The individual will conduct and oversee
molecular and experimental studies in the lab and field and
coordinate the project as a whole in collaboration with three faculty
mentors: Dr. Carolyn Malmstrom, PI, in the Dept. of Plant Biology
(<http://www.plantbiology.msu.edu/faculty/faculty-research/carolyn-malmstrom/>http://www.plantbiology.msu.edu/faculty/faculty-research/carolyn-malmstrom/
), and Dr. Douglas Landis and Dr. Rufus Isaacs, co-PIs, in the Dept.
of Entomology
(<http://www.landislab.ent.msu.edu/doug-landis.htm>http://www.landislab.ent.msu.edu/doug-landis.htm,
http://www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu/Home.html). In addition, the
post-doc will have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues
throughout MSU and with the DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Center
(<file:///C:/Users/David/AppData/Local/Temp/www.glbrc.org>www.glbrc.org).
As a key member and leader in the research team, the post-doc will be
expected to develop and contribute innovative aspects of the research
effort that reflect his or her personal strengths and interests.
For this position, we seek a dynamic individual with an excellent
research record, strong skills in communication, organization, and
interpersonal relations, and experience with molecular techniques and
field studies. Previous experience with phylogenetics,
phylogeography, or geospatial analysis is helpful but not required,
as training is available. A Ph.D. is required.
Michigan State University is an R1 institution that offers
outstanding opportunities in the ecological and life
sciences. Resources with which the post-doc can expect to interact
include BEACON (an NSF Center for the Study of Evolution in Action,
<http://beacon-center.org/>http://beacon-center.org/), The Center for
Microbial
Ecology (<http://www.cme.msu.edu/>http://www.cme.msu.edu/), The
Center for Global Change and Earth Observations
(<http://www.globalchange.msu.edu/>http://www.globalchange.msu.edu/),
Remote Sensing and GIS Outreach Services
(<http://www.rsgis.msu.edu/>http://www.rsgis.msu.edu/), The W. K.
Kellogg Biological Station
(<http://www.kbs.msu.edu/>http://www.kbs.msu.edu/), The Kellogg
Biological Station LTER Site
(<http://lter.kbs.msu.edu/>http://lter.kbs.msu.edu/), and The
Research Technology Support Facility
(<http://rtsf.msu.edu/>http://rtsf.msu.edu/). Funding for salary and
benefits for this position is expected to be available for three
years, with annual renewal contingent on performance. Start date:
Winter/Spring 2011.
For more information or to apply, please email Dr. Carolyn Malmstrom
([email protected]). Applications should include a description of the
candidate's interest in and suitability for the position, a CV,
copies of publications, and contact information for three
references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue
until the position is filled.
MSU is an equal-opportunity institution. Individuals from
underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Dr. Carolyn M. Malmstrom
Associate Professor, Dept. of Plant Biology
Adj. Assoc. Professor, Center for Global Change and Earth Observations
166 Plant Biology Labs
Michigan State University
East Lansing MI 48824 USA
Phone: +1 517 355 4690
Mobile: +1 517 719 7676
Fax: +1 517 353 1926
Email: [email protected]
