Interested in invasive species and international field work? Join our team in an exciting project:
Pre-invasion assessment of Asian wood borers by sentinel gardens
We are looking for a PhD STUDENT or a POSTDOC to manage existing sentinel gardens in China and to collect unique data on high-priority, potentially invasive wood boring insects. What is a sentinel garden? See the coverage of our project in Science: Scientists plant ‘sentinel trees’ to warn of devastating pests.
Our first round of results is very promising, see the video below:
The position is fully-funded, and includes annual stipend ($26,000 for a student, $50,000 for a postdoc), health insurance, research expenses, and visa assistance.
The PhD graduate assistant contract is for 4 years. Postdoc contract is for one year with high likelihood of extension to multiple years depending on productivity. The positions are based at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, but will include substantial field work in Asia, most likely China. Opportunities in cutting-edge research technology, conferences and collaborations are regularly available. International applicants are welcome.
Colleagues from China are welcome to apply for this position. We completely understand the difficulties with current visa policy and travel. If you are interested in working with us but are concerned about your ability to join an American institution, let’s get in touch to start the conversation.
The project will focus on one main research direction:
- Interactions between Asian wood borers and American trees in our network of sentinel gardens in China.
Additional topics that the applicant is welcome to develop include:
- Beetle or fungus molecular and traditional systematics or ecology.
- Host tree physiology and response under stress.
- Translation of invasion science to policy, collaboration with agencies.
Previous experience with beetle research is not necessary. Experience with invasion ecology, systematics, tree physiology or statistics is a bonus.
Application deadline
March 12, 2021.
Start date
Any time during 2021, the earlier the better.
To apply or to inquire, send an email to hulcr@ufl.edu and include 1) Cover Letter, 2) your CV, and 3) a list of your interests and hobbies.
