We are seeking one PhD student to participate in USDA funded research on the role that bacterial endosymbionts play in mediating interactions among host plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. The position is available starting summer or fall 2014 at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY.
The project: Populations of the polyphagous aphid, Aphis craccivora, that are associated with different host plants are infected with different bacterial endosymbionts. These aphid populations differ in their capacity to use alternate host plants, and also vary in their susceptibility to natural enemies. The purpose of the project is to determine the role that bacterial endosymbionts play in these observed patterns, and to investigate aphid population dynamics and community interactions as a consequence of symbiont infection, particularly within the context of eco-evolutionary dynamics and/or community genetics. The graduate assistant will be responsible for designing, executing, analyzing and publishing laboratory studies of aphid fitness, predator fitness, and/or predator behavior. The assistantship has a stipend of $20,000/year, and also provides tuition and health insurance benefits. Both MS and PhD applicants are encouraged to apply, although preference will be given to applicants who already have an MS and are seeking a PhD. The ideal candidate: 1) has a strong academic background including coursework in ecology, behavior, and entomology, 2) has previous independent research experience, 3) has an interest in microbial/molecular ecology, 4) has experience with basic molecular techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis, and 5) is fluent in English. Please send initial inquiries to Jen White at [email protected], including a letter of interest, unofficial transcripts, and a CV that includes GPA and GRE scores.
