Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship – Natural Resource Sciences, emphasis Entomology: One graduate research assistantship is available in the Prischmann-Voldseth lab to pursue a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences, with an Entomology emphasis at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, USA with a preferred start date of January 2024 (or summer 2024).
The graduate student will conduct lab, greenhouse and field experiments investigating the impact of floral resources on insect pests, e.g. assessing pollen/nectar fructose in insect pests and/or natural enemies collected from pollinator plantings, use of floral resources by insect pests of agricultural importance (e.g. wheat stem sawfly), quantifying how floral resources impact pest fitness/biology.
Primary tasks include (but are not limited to): planning and executing lab/greenhouse/field studies, collecting and managing data, data analysis, presenting research results (e.g. to growers and scientists), writing reports and journal articles, taking classes, and writing/defending a dissertation. The assistantship will provide a stipend ($24,000 per year) and a tuition waiver.
Prospective students should have a Master’s degree in entomology, biology, natural resources, plant sciences, or other closely related field. Desired qualifications include: substantial previous experience with insects, an interest in sustainable pest management, field and lab research experience, evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, ability/experience publishing scientific journal articles, and data analysis skills/experience.
Other highly preferred qualities include: experience with insect pest management – specifically cultural control, experience designing experiments, ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team, project management skills, ability to troubleshoot issues, attention to detail, organizational skills, and a growth mindset. The candidate must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license or be willing and able to obtain one. Candidates must also meet the admission requirements of NDSU’s Graduate School and the School of Natural Resource Sciences.
About North Dakota State University: THE UNIVERSITY NDSU is a highly regarded and often recognized student-focused, land-grant, research institution. With a land-grant mission to provide quality education, leading-edge research and excellent service, NDSU is acknowledged as a national leader among its peers, and seen by many as a model for success.
NDSU was named by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education to the elite “Research University/Very High Research” category, which represents the 108 top-ranked private and public universities in the United States. NDSU is the first and only North Dakota institution to attain the status. NDSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and approximately 135 graduate degree programs of study in nine academic colleges.
Degrees are awarded at the doctoral, master’s, professional, and baccalaureate levels. Various undergraduate minors and certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels also are available. NDSU has experienced a remarkable period of growth and expanded academic opportunities, and it is recognized as a national model of the contemporary land-grant institution. NDSU has an enrollment of more than 14,700 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, and its research expenditures surpass $150 million annually.
THE COMMUNITY The home of NDSU, Fargo is a bustling metropolitan area that is often listed as one of the best places to live in the country. Fargo is quietly earning a reputation as a perfect place to make a home. Nestled in the rich farmlands of the Red River Valley, the Fargo-Moorhead community has many qualities that contribute to this reputation, including a highly respected educational system; advanced medical technology; a progressive business community; numerous cultural and arts opportunities; clean air and water; and good-hearted, friendly people.
Fargo-Moorhead is among the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. More than 200,000 people make their home in Cass and Clay Counties. One of the reasons people choose NDSU as a place to get a good education is that the F-M community provides students access to part-time jobs, internships, parks and other recreational facilities, entertainment, and cultural amenities.
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, (701)
To apply:
Applications to NDSU Graduate School are submitted at http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/, but prior to applying, prospective students should contact Dr. Prischmann-Voldseth via email (Deirdre.Prischmann@ndsu.edu ) and provide a cover letter (explaining your interest in the position and how your skills/experience meets each of the desired and preferred qualifications), resume or CV, and any relevant test scores (TOEFL, GRE, etc.).
Please use the following for the subject line of the email: Interested in advertised PhD assistantship. Preference will be given to students with GRE scores (quantitative, verbal, and writing) above the 50th percentile. Enquiries / applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, parental status, or status as a protected veteran.