Culturing Truffles Graduate Research Assistantship

An MS Graduate Research Assistantship is available to study truffle culture with University of Idaho and the Idaho Truffle Growers Association. ITGA is a non-profit that promotes Idaho’s truffle industry and conducts research to improve truffle production with funding through an Idaho State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant. This project focuses on Treasure Valley orchards yielding Tuber borchii and Tuber melanosporum. Research includes monitoring the response of fungal biomass to soil environment and cultural treatments. Biomass of target truffle fungi will be measured using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). To qualify, candidates should have a background in forest ecology, agronomy, soils, biology, microbial ecology, or ecosystem science. Those with knowledge of molecular genomics, mycorrhizal associations, mycology, and soil water relations are preferred. Students may select from graduate programs in Natural Resources or Environmental Science at University of Idaho. Graduate program begins spring semester 2020; however, earlier start dates are encouraged to join with field research. For inquiries, email Mark Coleman (mcoleman@uidaho.edu). Submit applications to graduate admissions (www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate) before 15 November 2019.