USA: 4 PhD positions in Agroecology at University of California

Deadline: 31st August 2012

Project summary. The Northern Great Plains is a leading producer of organic small grain, pulse, and
oilseed crops; but management options are limited by highly variable precipitation and easily eroded
soils. This area also has strong potential for low-input organic sheep production, but access to sources
of grazing and feed represents a challenge for ranchers. This project evaluates the potential of replacing
tillage with targeted sheep grazing to terminate legume cover crops, manage crop residues, and reduce
weed, insect, and pathogen pressures. Montana State University is recruiting candidates for the following positions:

1. Cropping systems – weed ecology. The candidate will compare crop yield, crop quality, and
   crop-weed interactions between sheep-grazed and tillage based organic systems. Emphasis may
   include nitrogen budget, mechanisms determining crop-weed competitive interactions, role of
   weed diversity on ecosystems services, and approaches to manage perennial weeds.
2. Top-down impacts of targeted sheep grazing on trophic interactions. This study will assess
   ecosystem services provided by the enhanced diversity that we expect in the grazed organic
   systems by means of plant-insect interaction networks. As part of this project, the successful
   candidate will assess insect diversity and impact of management systems on key pests, natural
   enemies, pollinators, and crop damage.
3. Plant pathogen dynamics in sheep-grazed, tillage-based, and conventional small grain
   systems. This study will evaluate ecological constraints associated with the integrated
   management of diseases, including mite-transmitted cereal viruses, in dryland ecosystems.
   Emphasis will be placed in understanding the biological and environmental factors conditioning
   the spread and impact of common diseases as well as approaches to mitigate them.
4. Impact of management system on lamb performance, health and quality. The successful
   candidate will evaluate the impact of management system on lamb production, parasite loads,
   carcass quality, and indices of shelf life. Treatments will include animals grazed on native
   summer range, weaned and over wintered grazing a mix of crop residues and harvested feed.

Successful candidates will be members of a vibrant, interdisciplinary team of researchers on agro
ecology. Candidates must hold a MS degree in ecology, agroecology, entomology, weed science, plant
science, animal science, or related field, depending on the position. Excellent work ethic, team player,
and proficiency in English language (written and oral) are required. Submit 1) Name of the position
to which you are applying, 2) Letter of application describing career goals and research interests, 3)
Resume, transcripts, and 4) Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three references.
GRE and TOEFL scores (if required) are mandatory.
Electronic applications are accepted. Applications should be sent to:
Dr. Fabian Menalled. menalled@montana.edu. (406) 994-4783