Training/Employment Opportunities
Undergraduate Opportunities
Hourly positions: Undergraduate students are employed to assist with laboratory, greenhouse, and field research projects. Students typically work 8-12 hours/week during the academic year and full-time during the summer (late May through August).
Independent research projects: Undergraduate students interested in conducting guided independent research projects may be funded through any of a variety of UW fellowship programs (e.g., Hilldale, Holstrom) or through the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. These are competitive programs, with annual application deadlines typically in January. Inquire early!
Graduate Opportunities
Graduate students may pursue advanced degrees in Entomology, Zoology, Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, or the Intstitute of Environmental Studies. Graduate positions in this lab are highly competitive; many inquiries are received each year. For general information about graduate opportunities in 2012, contact Dr. Lindroth.
2012 Graduate Research Assistant position: Plant-insect Interactions and Aspen Genomics. This research will identify the genetic and chemical bases of key aspen traits affecting sustainable production, responses to environmental perturbation, and interactions with insect herbivores. Genomics work will be conducted in collaboration with scientists in Umeå, Sweden. For details about this opportunity, click on the link above.
Potential additional research areas include:
1) Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Herbivore Interactions. This research addresses genetic, ontogenetic and environmental factors that influence plant defense (chemical resistance, tolerance, escape) against insect and mammalian herbivores. Our primary experimental systems are aspen (Populus tremuloides), cottonwood (Populus spp.) and monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus).
2) Global Change Ecology. This research addresses the consequences of climate warming and enriched atmospheric carbon dioxide and ozone on northern deciduous forest communities. Current grant funding for this research theme is targeted to postdoctoral associates. Potential graduate students seeking independent (e.g., fellowship) funds and interested in this research area should contact Dr. Lindroth.
3) Bioenergy Fuels and Plant-Insect Interactions. This line of research is evaluating how genetic modifications of poplar - to enhance its potential as a biofuel feedstock - alter its susceptibility to insect pests. The work is conducted in collaboration with tree geneticists, and focuses on how specific modifications of tree architecture and chemical content (lignin) influence the expression of chemical defense traits, thereby altering susceptibility to insect attack. The University of Wisconsin - Madison is the home institution of the DOE-funded Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center.
Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with superior academic credentials are encouraged to apply. Well-developed interpersonal skills are essential.
Stipend/benefits: 50% Research Assistantships currently provide a $20,400 stipend, tuition waiver, and excellent medical/dental health plan.
Inquiry/application procedure: Send e-mail describing academic background, research experience, and research interests to Dr. Lindroth (lindroth@wisc.edu). Applications/placement are seasonal, typically with exchanges of correspondence occurring during October-January, submission of application by January, and notification of acceptance/placement by March-April. Funding to support campus visits may be available.
Link to the UW Graduate School electronic application website.
Postdoctoral Opportunities
Climate Change and Forest Insects
A postdoctoral Research Associate position will be available spring/summer 2012 to work with Drs. Rick Lindroth (Univ. WI), Ken Raffa (Univ. WI) and Peter Reich (Univ. MN) on a pioneering project investigating the consequences of climate warming for southern boreal forests. This project, funded by a USDA AFRI grant, will explore warming-induced shifts in tree phenology and chemistry, and consequences thereof for the performance of tree-feeding insects and tree response to defoliation. The research is integrated with the larger, DOE-funded “B4WARMED” project (http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/B4WARMED.html).
Primary responsibilities of the Research Associate are to coordinate and conduct field and laboratory components of the research program, including insect bioassays, censuses of insect biodiversity and foliar damage, and plant chemical analyses.
Qualifications include demonstrated expertise in insect bioassays and plant chemical analyses. Strong interpersonal/teamwork, laboratory, statistical and writing skills are essential. Must be able to live for extended periods during the field season near the research sites in NE Minnesota .
Salary and benefits: $36,500, commensurate with experience. Excellent family medical/dental health plans available at modest cost.
Duration of position: up to 2 years
Application: Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2012 , or until a suitable applicant is found. Send a single pdf document, including c.v., names/addresses of three references, representative reprints, and a letter specifically detailing your fit to the position to:
Dr. Rick Lindroth
lindroth@wisc.edu
For more information about the Lindroth research group see the Lindroth home page.
