The Johnson Lab at Texas Tech University is looking for Ph.D. or Masters
students interested in plant phylogenomics and/or bioinformatics
to start Fall 2018. Our lab is motivated by a central question in
evolutionary biology: what influences the origin and maintenance of plant
biodiversity? Research in the lab integrates field work (collection
and field experiments), wet lab (tissue culture, high-throughput
DNA/RNA sequencing), and computational analysis to test hypotheses
about genome evolution in non-model organisms at both deep and narrow
timescales. Topics currently being studied in the lab include:
– Phylogenetic systematics using hundreds of nuclear genes via targeted
sequence capture (HybSeq).
– Identifying genomic events (gene/genome duplication, changes in
molecular evolution) associated with key innovations in plant
evolution.
– Optimization of HybSeq using herbarium specimens.
– Identifying the hybrid origin of polyploid species through targeted
sequencing.
– Development of novel bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis and
visualization.
We are especially interested in students who would like to employ
herbarium specimens in their research. The E.L. Reed Herbarium in the
Biological Sciences building contains 20,000 plant specimens including
an important collection of the vascular plants of West Texas. Students
interested in bioinformatics, genomics, and data visualization are also
encouraged to apply. More information about the Johnson lab can be found
at: http://secure-web.cisco.com/1hWOdWaPGUYnIhy6zF5vQwoAqXdccIY0DeDV9BKm-VIG6vwc9aOel7GLjP-ira4xJfvCeloHKsenrLp__iX6WhkJAnlv6_xKAWNTWjFB4zmev6PGAp7mrwAb5ZbT4FALIYbv-a6KL2cmngYQlEeWLtc5Y1eZsloOo83hwnpvcWlw1P8kBVGuVyajSB0tl7dlkPfa1ETMhFhhqquTFGrL59chdFaIVu1n5NoKs5HyoKDylVqbjN4L8ltDXxG0Bp2-G8v48QY4tSyvsLXGiqTPPQiEeY8u582rUG2kQizrtd0fhZ1Zc5V-O-9TKBwKtOTREP_LiKoYT8H4hOyq0wo7irbbteDAg3goA4F6XNF0t2Q70QS-iqmMIiwiQ4cWmNdMpXy4apJMSdzK1BVyvwRD9HliwTA5aoqK53aIOYGVB9jCk5e1Z7CA8nPY5kfn5UnEuKmM5-nzNYzV3SHH4f_0FcA/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mossmatters.com
*Requirements*: (1) Bachelor’s degree in biological or computer sciences
or related field; (2) interest in integrating wet lab, field work,
and computational skills; (3) ability to work both independently and
collaboratively; and (4) effective communication skills, necessary for
both teaching and for sharing results through papers and presentations
at scientific meetings. For Ph.D. applicants, prior research experience
is preferred but not required.
The lab has financial support for multiple students through a
combination of research and teaching assistantships, including summer
support. Interested students should first contact Matt Johnson at
matt[DOT]johnson[AT]ttu[DOT]edu .
*Deadline for applications* The Texas Tech Biological Sciences Department
has rolling admissions, but students who wish to be considered for
scholarships or fellowships must apply by January 15, 2018 for enrollment
in Fall 2018.
Texas Tech University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and I welcome
applications from qualified persons regardless of nationality, race, sex,
disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Texas Tech recently
received designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, and we are
excited to support Hispanic scholars.
More information about applying for graduate school at Texas Tech can be
found here: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/graduate/graduatestudies.php
Matthew G. Johnson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
Director, E.L. Reed Herbarium
Texas Tech University
E-mail: matt[DOT]johnson[AT]ttu[DOT]edu
http://secure-web.cisco.com/1hWOdWaPGUYnIhy6zF5vQwoAqXdccIY0DeDV9BKm-VIG6vwc9aOel7GLjP-ira4xJfvCeloHKsenrLp__iX6WhkJAnlv6_xKAWNTWjFB4zmev6PGAp7mrwAb5ZbT4FALIYbv-a6KL2cmngYQlEeWLtc5Y1eZsloOo83hwnpvcWlw1P8kBVGuVyajSB0tl7dlkPfa1ETMhFhhqquTFGrL59chdFaIVu1n5NoKs5HyoKDylVqbjN4L8ltDXxG0Bp2-G8v48QY4tSyvsLXGiqTPPQiEeY8u582rUG2kQizrtd0fhZ1Zc5V-O-9TKBwKtOTREP_LiKoYT8H4hOyq0wo7irbbteDAg3goA4F6XNF0t2Q70QS-iqmMIiwiQ4cWmNdMpXy4apJMSdzK1BVyvwRD9HliwTA5aoqK53aIOYGVB9jCk5e1Z7CA8nPY5kfn5UnEuKmM5-nzNYzV3SHH4f_0FcA/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mossmatters.com