Graduate Research Assistantship

Utah State University (USU) is inviting applications for a PhD graduate research assistantship (GRA) in the Department of Plants, Soils and Climate. The GRA position is for a highly motivated student who wants to work on a multi-disciplinary team that includes researchers in the fields of entomology, agronomy, ecology, and biology. The main focus of the research associated with the position is identifying ecological relationships that underlie management practices in production systems of arid regions. The role of plant-insect interactions with both anthropogenic and abiotic conditions (e.g., climate) will be elucidated using a variety of field and greenhouse-based studies. The position will provide opportunities to develop new and innovative approaches to studying production systems that will lead to improved management.

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Steve Young, steve(.)young@usu(.)edu, for more information.

Qualifications: Applicants should have an M.S. in ecology, plant science, botany, agronomy, horticulture, or another related field of study. The student should possess strong skills in field-based research and data analysis, including statistics, as well as excellent writing and communication skills. The successful candidate will be organized, creative, and excited about working in a collaborative group environment. Interested candidates should send a single pdf file containing the following to Dr. Steve Young (steve(.)young@usu(.)edu): (i) cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, and (iii) list of three references including names, email addresses, and telephone numbers. Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. Anticipated start for the position is Fall/Winter 2019.