Graduate Student Position in Smart Plant Pathology Lab

The Smart Plant Pathology Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a highly motivated and talented graduate student (Master’s or PhD) to join our interdisciplinary team. Our lab focuses on innovative solutions for sustainable crop disease management, leveraging cutting-edge technologies in biocontrol, nanotechnology, and remote sensing.

Project Title: Nanotechnology-enabled delivery of fungicide to control red crown rot of soybeans

Principal Investigator: Dr. Boris X. Camiletti, Assistant Professor, Department of Crop Sciences

Project Overview: This research aims to address the rapid spread of Red Crown Rot (RCR), a soilborne disease affecting soybeans, by leveraging nanotechnology to enhance the efficacy of fungicides. The project involves developing scalable low-cost nanogel formulations for controlled release of fungicides, investigating release mechanisms in Illinois soil, and evaluating the performance of fungicide-loaded nanogels against RCR.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and optimize nanogel formulations for controlled release of fungicides.
Conduct laboratory experiments to characterize nanogels.
Investigate the release mechanisms of nanogels in various soil types.
Evaluate the efficacy of nanogel formulations in greenhouse and controlled environment settings.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of plant pathologists, chemists, and soil scientists.
Prepare and present research findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Collaborate with other projects, including field work.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Plant Pathology, Crop Sciences, Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related field.
Strong background in laboratory research and analytical techniques.
Experience in performing controlled-conditions experiments is highly desirable.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Stipend:  Competitive stipend ($30,000-33,000/year) and tuition waiver.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

A cover letter detailing their research interests and relevant experience.
A current CV.
Contact information for three references.
Academic transcripts.

Application Deadline: December 15^th, 2024.

Contact Information: For more information or to submit your application, please contact: Dr. Boris X. Camiletti at bxc@illinois.edu