A graduate assistantship for a Ph. D. student in vegetable crop plant pathology will be available starting Fall 2013 in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Florida. The successful candidate will work on studies examining the identification and spread of the Gummy Stem Blight fungal pathogen through seed and rain splash transmission. These studies will combine techniques from both applied and basic research disciplines to help determine key factors related to the best management practices of this disease. Depending on the interests of the student, the project will offer significant opportunities and flexibility in designing research objectives that investigate problems related to the programs overall goals. A stipend of 20,000/year will be awarded to the successful candidate.
The successful candidate should possess a BS/BA degree in agriculture or biological sciences and have an interest in plant pathology, ecology and extension. Candidates with course-work in plant pathology are preferred. Good communication skills and the ability to work as a team member are required. The candidate must also meet the University of Florida graduate school requirements (http://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/grad_admissions.shtml ).