Research assistant (Ph.D.) position in Mycorrhizal Ecology (Microbial Ecology Program, The University of Montana, Missoula)

We are looking for a Ph.D. student to join a project recently funded by NSF and USDA on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in mediating interactions between neighboring plants (including invasive weeds). The focus of this research is to examine: (1) the extent to which neighboring plant species influences AMF community composition; (2) the role of host identity in determining the functional attributes of AMF; (3) whether the presence of a given AMF species alters functional attributes of co-infecting AMF species; (4) whether alteration of AMF community compositional and functional attributes due to neighbor effects differentially drives coexistence or facilitates invasiveness when neighboring plants are either native or exotic species.

For details on research in the Fungal Ecology and Biology Lab, see http://biology.umt.edu/fungus/

The research will provide students the opportunity to learn and use state of the art molecular ecology techniques. Good working knowledge of AMF trap cultures and/ or species identifications are preferred skills, and a Master’s degree (or equivalent research experience) is desirable. Financial
support: stipend ($14,500 - $20,000, depending on qualifications) and tuition, available for up to 3 years. Position available starting January or Fall 2006.

Send CV, transcripts, statement of research interest, and names & emails of 3 references to:

Daniel L. Mummey (dan.mummey@mso.umt.edu) or Matthias C. Rillig (matthias@mso.umt.edu).


Matthias C. Rillig
Associate Professor, Microbial Ecology
Division of Biological Sciences
The University of Montana
32 Campus Drive #4824
Missoula, MT 59812, USA

http://biology.dbs.umt.edu/fungus/
matthias@mso.umt.edu

(406) 243-2389; Fax -4184