PhD Fellowship Announcement

PhD Position in Plant Pathology/Entomology in Crop Science Department, School of Agriculture / African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS), University of Ghana, Legon in collaboration with Aarhus University, Denmark. The position is available from September 2020 to October 2024.

Title: Genotype screening of vegetables for pests and diseases resistance under temperature increase and water deficit

Project Description

Vegetable production in Ghana is very important and contributes greatly to Ghana’s economy. The increase in vegetable production in recent times especially by small holder farmers is largely due to the increase in demand primarily as a result of change in the dietary requirements by people. Vegetable production however, is faced with constraints including prevalence pests and diseases, drought and heat stress as well as declining soil fertility.

The development and use of climate resilient plant varieties as well as varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases is very important to boost vegetable production. Based on field and green house experiments as well as controlled climate and chamber experiments, the tolerance of climate resilient okra and egg-plant to the most important diseases and pests will be assessed. The efficacy of some selected bio-pesticides will also be assessed in order to boost performance of some selected okra and eggplant varieties that are tolerant to drought and heat stress, but may be moderately tolerant to one or two major pests and diseases.

The position is part of the project ‘Building vegetable farmers resilience to climate change’ funded by the DANIDA.

Qualification

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with the following

• MPhil/MSc in Plant Pathology, Entomology and Crop protection, Agriculture or related discipline
• Experience in an academic or research institution with a strong motivation for academic learning and scientific excellence
• Candidate will be expected to be able to work both independently and as member of a team.
• Knowledge in ecological experiments with plants and other organisms as well as experience in statistics are required.
• The candidate has to be ready to do experimental work in up to 6 month in Denmark
• Fluent verbal and written English communication skills are required

To apply, candidates should provide the following:                 

1. a letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages) including a statement of your research interest and research experience,
2. a CV including publication list,
3. copies of your degrees and
4. names and contact details of two referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation

Applications must be sent to the head of Department of Crop Science, University of Ghana: jnamissah@ug.edu.gh   and cc: fcbrentu@ug.edu.gh

Application Deadline

April 30, 2020.

Only shortlisted applicants would be contacted for interview.

Age limit is 35 years