The Cotton Incorporated Fellowship (CIF) program provides several excellent doctoral and post-doctoral training opportunities for qualified applicants. The CIF positions are at the core of expanded cotton research projects initiated at institutions across the Cotton Belt. Cotton Incorporated is committed to enhancing the training of future cotton breeders, entomologists, and agronomists through support of this program. Begun in 2002, Cotton Incorporated continues to coordinate with participating academic departments and Principle Investigators in the selection process for qualified CIF candidates.

Outstanding doctoral and post-doctoral students continue to be recruited for research projects as part of the expanded initiative by Cotton Incorporated. Breeding research areas encompass cotton population development and improvement, enhanced evaluation of cotton breeding material, and molecular marker development. Entomology efforts include a focus on development of management technology for insect pests, while agronomy research includes crop physiology, management, and weed control issues. Successful fellows must have a strong academic background in plant breeding, plant molecular biology, agronomy, entomology, or related discipline. Fellows will be at the core of expanded cooperative research projects ongoing at public institutions as part of this initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for cutting edge research to improve the productivity and profitability of cotton. Excellent stipends of $30,000 for graduate fellows and $40,000 for post-doctoral fellows which includes tuition and benefits package are provided to the Cotton Incorporated Fellows. All CIF applicants must be U.S. citizens and successful candidates will be required to meet the admission requirements of cooperating academic institutions and programs. Applications and inquiries should be directed to the individual related to the discipline of interest. These are: Genetics/Plant Breeding – Dr. Don Jones; Entomology – Dr. Pat O’Leary; and Agronomy/Weed Science – Dr. Robert Nichols. The mailing address is: Agricultural Research, 6399 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, phone (919)-678-2269, fax (919)-678-2233. The application should include a letter of interest, academic transcripts, description of proposed research, and three letters of reference.

Cotton Incorporated Fellows