Graduate Assistantships for Biology and Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila

Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Funding is available from Southern Region IPM Center and Department of Entomology to support two graduate assistantships for M.S. or Ph.D. students in the Fruit Entomology Lab at the University of Georgia starting Spring Semester 2014.

Position Summary: The primary goal of the research project is to investigate biology and applied ecology of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) to develop sustainable monitoring and management programs.  The research will include both laboratory and field studies: 1) investigate phenology and overwintering biology of SWD, 2) assess effectiveness of novel technologies for SWD monitoring and management, and 3) evaluate potential risks associated with SWD monitoring and management strategies. Additional opportunities will be available to gain experience in extension and outreach programs.  

Requirements:Education in the Life Sciences with an emphasis or interest in Entomology, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Applicants must meet admission requirements of the University of Georgia Graduate School (http://gradschool.uga.edu/admissions/requirements.html) and the Department of Entomology (http://www.ent.uga.edu/graduate.html). 

Interested applicants may contact Dr. Ashfaq Sial (ashsial@uga.edu) for more information. For further consideration, send a single PDF file containing: 1) statement of research interests and career goals, 2) current CV with references to contact, and 3) GPA, GRE, and TOEFL (if applicable) scores.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.