If you are interested in doing research with us, please look over the information below and elsewhere on this website, and email Dr. Blackwood to find out about current opportunities. 

Please note: We are committed to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and to creating an environment free from any kind of harassment or discrimination.

 

Lab manager

I am currently seeking to hire a full-time lab manager that would help run our NSF-funded project on plant-microbe interactions in forests.  Position includes medical and other benefits (see details here).  Bachelors degree in a relevant field is required; Master's degree preferred.  Experience with microbial cultivation, bioinformatics related to microbial community analysis, or root ecology is preferred.

Undergraduates

There are almost always opportunities for undergraduates to work with us.  Undergraduates often work start in the lab as a volunteer.  Students can also enroll in Individual Investigation (BSCI or BTEC 40196) to get credit for lab experience.  Other programs include honors thesis research and the paid SURE and SRE programs described here.  Usually undergraduates gain experience by working with graduate students or others in the lab, and then gradually take on more responsibility over multiple semesters.  Email Dr. Blackwood for more information.

Graduate students

I welcome inquiries from students interested in pursuing research related to the topics outlined on this website and in our publications.  Students in my lab are encouraged to develop project ideas and work collaboratively with me, other lab members, and our colleagues.  In addition to learning field techniques and various chemical and molecular analyses, students can expect to develop skills in statistical analysis, presentations, and writing.

 

Deciding to pursue a graduate degree (particularly a Ph.D.) is a big decision.  Potential graduate students should have a desire to deeply explore existing knowledge about a topic, and should be excited to expand that knowledge with their own contributions.  This means that successful students need to be motivated, creative, tenacious, and meticulous. 

 

Potential students can email me to inquire about current opportunities.  Please be prepared to provide a statement about your interests and goals, CV, GPA, and GRE percentiles. 

Graduate students in my lab are typically enrolled in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program in the Department of Biological Sciences. Most students that work with me are funded through a departmental teaching assistantship. We guarantee TA funding for at least 2 years for Master's students and 4 years for Ph.D. students making satisfactory progress. Appointments come with competitive stipend, tuition waiver, funding toward health insurance, and travel support to conferences.  See the department website for additional details.

Postdoctoral associates and other visitors

Individuals interested in pursuing funding to work with us should contact Dr. Blackwood to discusss details of their ideas.