Welcome to the POTNIS LAB Molecular Ecology of Plant-Pathogen Interactions

Graduate students

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The Potnis Lab in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University is looking for a motivated graduate student interested in building a strong foundation in pathogen biology, ecology, evolution and bioinformatics. The position is available beginning Spring of 2022, but could start earlier than Spring 2022. Prospective graduate student will have opportunity to work on a NSF-funded project that aims to investigate the mechanistic basis of host range in plant pathogenic bacteria. This project will integrate molecular biology, bacterial genetics, evolution and ecology principles, and omics tools to advance our understanding of plant-bacterial interactions.

If you have any questions about this opening or would like to know more details on the project, feel free to contact me (nzp0024@auburn.edu).

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Qualifications
Required: 

B.S. degree in biology, microbiology, or a related field, received or expected before start date.

Previous experience in a research setting.

Applicant must be able to work both independently and with others within a research team.

Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.

 
Preferred:

M.S. degree in biology, microbiology, or a related field with a record of publication.

Experience in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

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To apply for graduate research assistantship in my lab, please send me the following as a single pdf file.  

1.  An CV or resume detailing your past work and research experiences, transcripts; and contact details for three professional references.

2.  A cover letter (2-3 paragraphs) explaining  why you are interested in doing research, why you think your interests fit with my laboratory, and how you meet the requirements outlined above. 

 

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University offers competitive graduate student fellowships. Please visit the following website for additional details on fellowships and how to apply to the graduate school.  http://enpp.auburn.edu/programs-of-study/graduate/

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I also encourage students to consider additional funding opportunities including: 

 

1) Auburn University, Cell and Molecular Biology Assistantships 

 • Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) to cover tuition  • Required laboratory rotations, giving students time to learn advanced laboratory skills & experience various areas of research opportunities  • Deadline for receipt of applications is February 1st.  For information and application materials see:  http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/cmb/

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2) National Science Foundation, Graduate Research Fellowship Program: https://www.nsfgrfp.org/