Graduate Assistantship Available in University of Kentucky

Ph.D., M.S. Graduate Assistantship Available for Rhizosphere Science Department of Plant and Soil Sciences University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY � The Rhizosphere Science Laboratory in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at The University of Kentucky is seeking a highly motivated, well qualified M.S. or PhD level student to immediately join the Rhizosphere Science Laboratory to work with a transdisciplinary group of researchers investigating how interactions between endophytic organisms and their plant hosts influence root exudate composition, soil microbial population dynamics and C and N turnover. Research will specifically focus on (1) Identifying key bioactive compounds in plant root exudates using a variety of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, (2) evaluating the influence of bulk and rhizosphere soil physiochemical properties on root exudate production and persistence, and (3) elucidating how microbial population and (4) C and N turnover are affected. The ideal candidate would have prior experience working in a research lab as well as course work (or an interest in pursuing coursework) related to soil chemistry, geochemistry, soil biochemistry, microbiology, plant biology and/or plant physiology. The selected candidate will join a newly emerging interdisciplinary laboratory at the University of Kentucky designed to investigate (using cutting edge tools such as synchrotron X�ray spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, ATR�FTIR, HPLC�MS, ICP�MS, NMR) the dynamic interaction between plants and their soil environment and how these interactions influence ecosystem level processes. Candidates interested in this exciting opportunity should send their CV, GRE and TOEFL (international students) scores, transcripts and three letters of recommendation via email to:
Dr. David McNear
Asst. Professor of Rhizosphere Science
University of Kentucky
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
N�122S Ag Sci. Center North Building
Lexington, KY 40546
Email: dave.mcnear@uky.edu
Phone: 859.257.8627
Lab website: http://www.ca.uky.edu/labs/Rhizolab/index.html

Applications and inquiries from women and minorities are particularly encouraged. The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications will be accepted without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The address of the College of Agriculture EEO Coordinator is room S-101 Agricultural Science Building, 500 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40546-0091