GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP -- The Division of Plant and Soil Sciences at West Virginia University is seeking qualified and highly motivated individuals interested in obtaining a MS or PhD degree related to sustainable agriculture. The positions are available spring semester 2001 or anytime thereafter until a suitable candidate is found. The assistantship provides a monthly stipend and tuition waiver. Stipends for MS and PhD students are $9,936 and $11,580, respectively. The successful candidates will conduct research on transition methods to convert from conventional to organic agricultural systems. The research is part of a multi-disciplinary effort of agronomists, horticulturists, soil scientists, economists and plant pathologists at West Virginia University to provide farmers with sound information to make the transition from conventional to organic farming practices. Positions are available in horticulture (vegetable production) and agronomy. Students with backgrounds in horticulture, agronomy, botany, biology or closely related fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants with farming experience may be given preference. Please submit a letter of application, a resume, college transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (foreign students), and three letters of reference. Interested individuals can contact Dr. Sven Verlinden for additional information: Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, P.O. Box 6108, Morgantown, WV 26506. Phone: (304) 293-6023; E-mail: sverlind@wvu.edu or the Division office at (304) 293-4817.