PhD position in FABI on Biological Control of Forest Pests

A PhD position is available in the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria. The candidate will work as part of a larger project aimed at reducing the impact of non-native pests in South African forestry plantations, with a particular focus on Leptocybe invasa. The blue gum chalcid, Leptocybe invasa, is a global pest of eucalypt plantations. Host resistance and biological control have been the main strategies used to manage populations of L. invasa, but despite the global importance of this pest there is still much unknown about the interactions between L. invasa, its natural enemies and host plant and how these interactions are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. The project will examine these interactions using a combination of basic biological studies, monitoring, genetic and genomic data, and other tools.

The candidate should preferentially have an MSc in Entomology, Ecology or a related field. Prior experience working with forest pests and/or biological control systems will be an added advantage.

The candidate will work in a dynamic team as part of the Tree Protection Co- operative Program and Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology. Together these programs represent the largest and one of the leading research teams globally on tree health management. The size of the team makes it possible to focus on both applied and basic aspects of the field. Read more about these research teams at FABI at www.fabinet.up.ac.za

Interested candidates should submit a full CV and at least two reference letters to Prof Bernard Slippers.
Bernard.slippers@fabi.up.ac.za
Or contact him on +27-12-4202463

Closing date 30 June 2015