Post-doc position available immediately – DNA-based diagnostics for spruce budworm, its parasitoids, and other conifer-feeding species –
A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the Smith lab at the University of Guelph (Ontario) in the application of DNA-based diagnostics in the early detection of species involved in predating upon the spruce budworm (SBW). In particular, experience in the design and implementation of microarrays is necessary. Applicants should have a Ph.D. and extensive training and experience in one or more of the following areas: DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR and microarray development. The ideal candidate will also have broad training in evolutionary biology, strong writing skills, and prior management experience. The successful applicant will play a key role in a recently funded project to develop and apply new methods involving DNA-based diagnostics for the rapid identification natural enemies of the spruce budworm in New Brunswick. The spruce budworm (SBW - Choristoneura fumiferana) is the major coniferous forest pest in eastern North America. The goal of this project is to design a DNA-based diagnostic for these critical, but difficult to quantify and identify the complement of natural enemies (insect parasitoids and pathogens) that act as natural control agents. To do so, we will adapt, and augment, the existing library of DNA barcodes (small, standardised gene sequences) into a DNA microarray chip enabling us to rapidly identify and quantify the many organisms that interact directly (> 100 species of natural enemies) and indirectly (other conifer-feeding species that serve as alternate/alternative hosts of SBW parasitoids) with the spruce budworm and form the so-called “spruce budworm food web”. Interested applicants should submit a CV, a letter describing their research interests and career goals, and contact information for two references to Dr. Alex Smith ([email protected]). Further information on my research interests and publications can be found at: http://www.uoguelph.ca/~salex/ and on Google Scholar http://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=i5jERHcAAAAJ&hl=en. Applications will be considered for an immediate start date. Alex Smith email: [email protected] web site: https://sites.google.com/site/smithlabfieldwork/ Twitter: @Alex_Smith_Ants
