Graduate Position: Ecological Speciation Tree Squirrels

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Adaptive Divergence and Reproductive Isolation in Tree Squirrels

The Chavez Lab

Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

*Position description:* The Chavez lab is seeking two PhD students to start Fall 2018 in the EEOB (Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology) Department at the Ohio

State University. We are interested in both the ecological and molecular bases of reproductive barriers and are seeking students that will conduct speciation and adaptation research on tree squirrels in their hybrid zones in the Pacific Northwest. We have both field AND molecular studies that are ongoing with this system and successful applicants will conduct research that investigates EITHER (or BOTH) the ecological/behavioral, and/or genomic mechanisms of speciation and divergent adaptations. For applicants interested in the molecular studies, research methods will include collecting genomic data and using bioinformatics/population genetic analyses to study hybridization, introgression, and adaptive evolution. For applicants interested in the field studies, research will include collecting ecological and behavioral data as they pertain to divergent adaptations and reproductive barriers (assortative mating, hybrid viability, life history evolution, etc=E2=80=A6).  Candidates will be encouraged to develop independent research topics within the context of the overall project. EEOB also offers Master=E2=80=99s degrees and under the right circumstances we may give some consideration for applicants interested in entering a Master=E2=80=99s program.=20

*Deadline for applications:* Application materials should be submitted to The Ohio State University Graduate School no later than December 1, 2017.

*Qualifications:* The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree (Master=E2=80=99s degree is preferred) in Biological Sciences or a related discipline with previous research experience. Ideal applicant for the genomics position will have strong research interests in population genetics, molecular laboratory skills, strong quantitative skills, and some proficiency in basic bioinformatics. Ideal applicant for the ecological/behavioral position will have strong research interest in animal behavior, evolutionary ecology, and strong quantitative skills.=20

*Application materials:* Interested candidates are encouraged to email Dr. Andreas Chavez (chavez.102@osu.edu <mailto:chavez.102@osu.edu>) to discuss the position in detail. Your email message should include: (1) a short statement of intent that includes why you are interested in our lab and your previous research experience, (2) contact information for three references (preferably those associated with your research experience), and (3) a concise, current CV complete with (a) degrees earned and relevant coursework, (b) GPA, (c) GRE scores and percentiles, (d) publications, (e) research presentations, (f) awards/scholarships/grants, and (g) other relevant skills/qualifications. Students from non-English speaking countries should also provide TOFEL scores. PLEASE INDICATE =E2=80=9CGraduate position – Fall 2018=E2=80=9D in your subject line.=20

*Additional information:* To learn more about members of the Chavez lab and our work please visit the lab website <www.aschavez.com <http://www.aschavez.com/> or https://eeob.osu.edu/people/chavez.102 <https://eeob.osu.edu/people/chavez.102>>.

Andreas S. Chavez, PhD

Assistant Professor

Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

The Ohio State University

318 W. 12th Ave., 300 Aronoff Laboratory, Columbus OH, 43210

614-292-2204

chavez.102@osu.edu <mailto:chavez.102@osu.edu>

www.aschavez.com <http://www.aschavez.com/>