Graduate Assistantships
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Nutrient Management, Soil Science, Crop Production Assistantship (DOC) The University of Nebraska has an on-going research project focused on organic cropping systems. One aspect of this project is to determine means of soil fertility management within the National Organic Program (NOP) limitations on sources of nutrients. The graduate student will be involved with fulfilling part of the research that has been funded by USDA to address the interaction of soil nutrient availability and weed control. We are seeking applicants who are interested in working as part of a team, with organic farmers, researchers and extension. Student must be able to drive to farms and to work independently with aspects of crop production, preferably including the operation of farm equipment. |
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Flaming and Soil Erosion Assistantship (DOC) Program focus is on developing Integrated Weed Management for various agro-eco systems, rangeland, pasture and wetlands in Nebraska. General area of our research and extension program includes weed ecology, crop-weed interactions as affected by cropping practices and nutrient management, invasive species management and herbicide technology. |
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A graduate student assistantship is available immediately to work on understanding vitreous endosperm formation during kernel maturation and its relationship to protein quality in maize. Maize is an incomplete protein source since its storage proteins are deficient in the essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan. Maize mutants such as opaque2 reduce storage protein accumulation and their seeds are a complete protein source for monogastric animals. However, these mutants have soft, chalky kernels conferring undesirable storage and processing traits. Quality Protein Maize was developed by selecting for genetic modifiers that restore the desirable hard endosperm texture in opaque2 whilst maintaining its high nutritional quality. Research in the lab is aimed at simplifying the further development and utilization of maize with improved protein quality by determining the nature and mode of action of these modifier genes. We will follow up on transcriptional profiling experiments that have identified a series of candidate modifier genes using biochemical, proteomic and transgenic technologies. A related project involves the cloning and functional analysis of genes involved in endosperm maturation using a series of Mutator (transposon)-tagged opaque endosperm mutants. Also, the role of the FLOURY1 protein (Plant Cell, 2007 19:2569-2582) in zein protein body formation will be further investigated using in a heterologous transgenic system such as Arabidopsis. Any combination of the following skills is highly desirable for this position: Molecular biology, biochemistry, mapping, and bioinformatics. The candidate may have experience working with a crop species or other model plant. A keen interest in nutritional improvements in crops, plant development and a good grounding in genetics are essential.
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Grassland Systems Ecology Assistantship (DOC) The University of Nebraska, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, invites applications for an M.S. or Ph.D. graduate research assistantship. Research objectives are to understand the structure and function of managed grassland systems, with an emphasis on cool-season grass pastures. A focus will be modeling the variables and dynamics that enable grasslands to support ecosystem services, including sustainable livestock and biomass production, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. Nebraska is an exceptional place to study grasslands. Rangeland and pastureland account for 50% of the land area, and the university offers several graduate courses in systems ecology. Opportunities will also be available to gain teaching experience in Agronomy 240: Forage Crop and Range Management and collaborate with other students and instructors with specializations in ecology, forage and range sciences, and natural resources. Desired candidates will have demonstrated interest high scholastic achievement, good verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work effectively with a team. |
