Join the the University of Florida Forest Entomology lab in the exploration of the relationships between beetles, fungi, trees and people. Our research ranges from systematics and evolutionary biology to applied research on invasive species.
PhD graduate assistantship 2020-2024
The fully-funded PhD student position includes a $24,000 annual stipend, tuition, health insurance, research expenses, and visa assistance (the total value of this position is over $200,000). Opportunities for international travel, conference visits and collaborations will be regularly available. International students are encouraged to apply.
Our lab offers diverse career directions for PhD students. Potential research topics include:
- fundamental research: symbioses, molecular systematics of beetles or fungi, invasion ecology
- forest health: pest and disease diagnostic tools, invasive species assessment, forest pests in Asia (particularly China)
- government or extension: strategic communication, forest resource policy
While we appreciate previous experience with entomology or mycology, it is not a problem if you don’t have any. What we value even more is commitment to rigorous science and a career related to modern biology or forest resources.
Postdoc or short-term visiting scholar 2020 and beyond
The fully-funded postdoctoral associate position includes a $50,000 annual stipend, health insurance, research expenses, and visa assistance. The duration of the contract is one year with high likelihood of extension to multiple years depending on productivity. Access to cutting-edge research technology and opportunities for conference visits and collaborations are regularly available. International applications are welcome.
The postdoctoral scholar is expected to focus on a topic related to the relationship between bark/ambrosia beetles and fungi, ideally using molecular biology methods. Previous experience with beetle research is not necessary, but modern molecular biology experience is a bonus. Topics that we are seeking to develop include:
– Molecular and traditional systematics of ambrosia fungi
– Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) detection of mutualistic fungi
– DNA or RNA metabarcoding of fungal communities
– The transcriptome of the mycangium
– Convergent genome features in the beetles and/or the fungi related to the symbiosis
Other topics are available, and we are very open to other suggestions and the candiate’s personal research preferences.
Application deadline and start date
For both position, there is no deadline and the start date is negotiable, but the sooner you apply the more likely you are to be considered. To apply or to inquire, send an email to hulcr@ufl.edu and include 1) Letter of interest, 2) your CV, and 3) a list of your interests and hobbies.
