PhD Graduate Student Positions Available Olson Lab, Texas Tech
University

The Olson lab at Texas Tech University is recruiting PhD Graduate
students interested in the field of plant ecological genetics to start
in the fall of 2018. Our lab studies a variety of questions including
local adaptation to latitude in relation to climate change, the
evolution of breeding systems, sex chromosome evolution, and the
evolution of gender dimorphism in plants. We use a variety of
experimental techniques including common garden studies, field ecology,
transmission genetics, genomics and bioinformatics. For the past decade
we have studied these processes in forest trees and expect that this
will continue to be the main taxonomic focus of our research.

Our current funding supports research to study the ecological and
genetic factors influencing the dynamic movement of sex determination
regions and sex chromosome evolution within the Salicaceae (poplars and
willows). The overall project focuses on mapping sex determination
regions from representatives throughout the family, understanding the
genetic basis of gender dimorphism in defense and pollinator attraction
chemistry, and the assessment of population genetic patterns across the
sex determination and pseudo-autosomal regions of the sex chromosomes.
Graduate students working on this project will have the opportunity to
choose from a variety of projects including, but not limited to,
mapping the locations of previously unknown sex determination regions,
development of phylogenies for important plant groups, and studying the
evolution of sexual dimorphism in plant defensive and pollinator
attraction compounds. Moreover, the grant provides for a unique
multi-institutional and international training environment, with
potential funding to visit labs at the University of West Virginia, the
University of Wisconsin, Cornell University, and Sichuan University and
Nanjing Forestry University in China for cross-disciplinary training.

The Olson lab is part of a dynamic Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
group at Texas Tech. Courses and focused training in ecology,
bioinformatics, and genomics are available from a highly interactive
faculty. Texas Tech boasts excellent laboratory and research resources
as well as easy access to some of the most beautiful and remote regions
of the lower 48 United States.

Please contact Matt Olson directly at matt.olson@ttu.edu for more
information regarding opportunities and application information.
Additional information about the Olson lab can be found at
www.faculty.biol.ttu.edu/olson/Research.html and general information
concerning the Department of Biological Sciences can be found at
www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/.

“Olson, Matt” <matt.olson@ttu.edu>

Graduate position in plant evolutionary genetics or evolutionary ecology

The Friedman lab at Syracuse University is looking for enthusiastic and
motivated Ph.D. students beginning in Fall 2018. Students will develop
dissertation projects in evolutionary genetics or evolutionary ecology
that complement work in the lab. Our lab uses a combination of ecological
and genomics approaches to address the evolution of reproductive
strategies in plants. Ongoing projects examine local adaptation,
quantitative genetics of life history differences in Mimulus guttatus,
sexual selection and mating in plants (http://friedmanlab.syr.edu/). Most
projects use a combination of field work, greenhouse or growth chamber
experiments, population genomics, and molecular ecology.

The Friedman lab is part of the dynamic and integrative Center for
Reproductive Evolution (http://cre.syr.edu/) and the Ecology & Plant
Biology, and Evolution, Genetics & Genomics research groups in Syracuse
Universityขs Department of Biology. Funding is guaranteed through
teaching assistantships for 5 years, and there is potential for Research
Assistantships. Syracuse University offers excellent benefits, a full
tuition waiver, and a generous stipend (~$25K for 2016). The close
proximity to SUNY-Environmental Science & Forestry campus and Cornell
makes this a strong and vibrant community.

Interested students should first contact Jannice Friedman
(friedman@syr.edu) with a description of your research interests and
experience and a CV or resume. For full consideration, full applications
to the department should be received by December 15, 2017.

Additional information:
Friedman lab: http://friedmanlab.syr.edu/
Grad Apply: http://biology.syr.edu/graduate/apply.html
Grad Studies in Biology: http://biology.syr.edu/graduate/programs.html
Biology Department: http://biology.syr.edu/
Center for Reproductive Evolution: http://cre.syr.edu/

PhD position in ecology/evolution/physiology of plants/microbes/termites –
We are looking for a graduate student to join our research group beginning
in fall semester 2018. The student would develop an independent research
focus in line with ongoing lab projects. We are exploring how plant traits
relate to community structure and function of plant-associated microbes
and termites using culturing and next generation sequencing techniques and
the consequences of these interactions for the forest carbon cycle in the
USA, France and Australia as climate changes. Additionally, we are looking
at the evolution, ecology and physiology of plants across environmental
gradients in various locations around the globe. The student would join
an interactive lab group (http://secure-web.cisco.com/1A5JAXTAigapcapshTP09iNkZT3hPSKIRNO9xReIr1fRHR8ALBLE3pHys8wMjjbJqXnT6u-j0DleRKf4Yfyz7Apnf6UiIwVwacUdhA-Q1zk664t33xCZfFBeEEEx_wRHxoY8L8qXVqblms_0CeQk7qV6OfjRv5W0sY2Olj19SCnJRzHIFboMbaahKXsOCt1twqvIH71FFCYJ82_35BeGv0g7Eyhxu3fm0OzqZWjrSWH11ItwN7Sbd5vhrwrHGUALAeUvkqX36pL4XFaDytsDpTSLUD4DDUMHclB4XMdRbG2lmdJ5EYA9b9pDHAZDyGs59979WzdSTi7yeHqYMnoFQz2XWHibFGXCWkTd1BI838bogGGyugiotmgC6TsP3E5p0xTgkV9NwqXSfIHspch42qF_yHW1WeucvuRl-xdGq2jr1E_3ZqcM7I7-z6X5DDf3IvhEIPL-PYFU4S-cscQqGxQ/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phylodiversity.net%2Fazanne%2F%29 that
broadly focuses on plant, microbe and termite structure and function
(anatomy and physiological ecology), community ecology, and evolutionary
ecology, both in the temperate and tropical systems. The graduate
work will be completed at George Washington University. Washington,
DC is a dynamic city with a wealth of ecologists and evolutionary
biologists. We have strong links to area institutions, including the
Smithsonian. George Washington University is located in the heart of DC,
with easy access to numerous science, conservation, and policy based
institutions. If you are interested in working with us, please send
an email to me (Amy Zanne: aezanne@gmail.com) with brief details about
your GPA, GRE, research interests, experience, and why you want to go to
graduate school. For information about applying to the program, go to the
George Washington University, Department of Biological Sciences website
(https://biology.columbian.gwu.edu/apply-now). The application deadline
is 1 December 2017. I am also happy to answer any further questions you
might have.

I=92d like to announce two opportunities for PhD-level research in the Finzi

lab of Terrestrial Biogeochemistry at Boston University. The first

opportunity is in the area of coupled biogeochemical cycles in global

ecosystems with an emphasis on nutrient-use efficiency, allocation and

retranslocation. There is broad latitude for graduate student development of

ideas within this context. The student will most likely engage in

meta-analysis, field studies and modeling. The second opportunity is in the

area of agricultural ecology, focusing specifically on root traits, soil

carbon cycling and fertilizer-use efficiency in bioenergy crop systems

[study sites in Florida & Illinois]. This opportunity is part of a much

larger, DOE-funded Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation

(CABBI) at the University of Illinois. The student will be trained at Boston

University but will have significant opportunities for interaction with the

highly multidisciplinary team that makes up the Center.

The City of Boston is a wonderful place to live and work. While modest in

size, Boston offers all of the benefits of the =91big city=92 experience and a

progressive work-life environment. At the same time there are ample mountain

activities in the White and Green Mountains of NH and VT, respectively, as

well as beaches on the north shore, south shore and Cape Cod. A very good

light rail system offers to opportunity to get around Boston without the

need for a vehicle. Boston has also gotten very bicycle friendly in recent

years. Field work can be accomplished via transport in a Finzi Lab vehicle.

The two PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in the PhD

program in Biogeoscience at Boston University. The program combines faculty

from the Department of Biology and Earth & Environment. There are upwards of

25 PhD students and postdocs in the program forming a =91critical mass=92 for

collaboration, friendship and scientific development.

Students interested in additional details can contact Dr. Adrien Finzi via

email [afinzi at bu dot edu] or by telephone [617.353.2453]. The application

deadline for the Department of Biology is December 7, 2017. Application

material can be found at: https://bu-grs.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

Two PhD assistantships are available in Michelle Mack=92s plant and ecosystem ecology lab, Center for Ecosystem Science and Society and Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.

I am seeking students who are interested in either (1) linking ground-based measurements of tree rings and stand dynamics to satellite indices of greening and browning in Alaska and Western Canada; or (2) understanding the impacts of fire on forest carbon dynamics in the Russian Far East.  Both positions will require substantial fieldwork, strong oral and written communication skills, and a background in plant and/or ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, statistics, soil science, and/or forestry.

Competitive graduate research assistantship funding and tuition waivers are available. Academically exceptional applicants may also be considered for an NAU Presidential Fellowship. For further information, please email michelle.mack@nau.edu). To be considered, please send a statement of your interest in the position, a copy of your CV, and information on your GPA and GRE scores by December 15, 2018.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is currently recruiting for the spring 2018 cohort for our NEW DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM =96 Master of Science in Environmental Studies and Master of Public Administration program. This is the first Dual Degree Program at UNCW where successful candidates can earn two degrees in three years as opposed to four years if enrolled separately.

This degree option is specifically for students who want to bridge the communication gap between environmental science and public policy.  Potential post-graduation opportunities associated with the program include: career tracks in coastal planning and management and other environmental programs at the federal, state, or local level; careers in nonprofit organizations focused on environmental issues; and private sector jobs focused on consulting or regulatory compliance.  Our program is both challenging and rewarding, with a high degree of collegiality among students and faculty between both departments.

Students seeking admission to the dual M.S. EVS/M.P.A. degree program must complete an application for admission to both programs. Students must be successfully admitted to both degree programs, in accordance with their individual standards and requirements.

For more information, as well as a link to application materials: http://uncw.edu/evs/graduate_programs.html=20

For more information about UNCW please see: www.uncw.edu.

The deadline for spring 2018 application is November 15.  For other questions or additional information, please feel free to contact me via email below.

Best wishes.

Dr. James A. Rotenberg

Graduate Program Coordinator

email: rotenbergj@uncw.edu

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is currently recruiting for the spring 2018 cohort in the MS in Environmental Studies program. The MS EVS is an exciting, interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on linking classroom experience with hands-on fieldwork, and culminating in a semester-

long internship with an environmentally-related organization (no thesis required). Our program is both challenging and rewarding, with a high degree of collegiality among students and faculty.

MS concentrations are available in Coastal Management, Environmental Conservation and Management, Marine and Coastal Education, and Environmental Education and Interpretation. An Individualized Concentration is also available for those who wish to design their own curriculum in conjunction with faculty.

For more information, as well as a link to application materials: http://uncw.edu/evs/graduate_programs.html=20

For more information about UNCW please see: www.uncw.edu.

The deadline for spring 2018 application is November 15.  For other questions or additional information, please feel free to contact me via email below.

Best wishes,

Dr. James A. Rotenberg

Graduate Program Coordinator

email: rotenbergj@uncw.edu

The Baker Lab (http://secure-web.cisco.com/1rMk7POj9GXhH5dMhEqB9kCCvt8PtLG1di7uxizVVX9wIw-anPa7fapk7A68Wurft6HRQlukTZytB-J30QGHUFIbOhuFUMlVNMWUDRyzsYhyOKxgQmVzyLL2Tdm-fcHAeDaGoH9Hk9i5Ooq-C5WOFEymxznvq0tCusbLPLLZSCok7S6by5r7eGAYLBm2ZxEGygsfc4wYmycMMCpCZ2x9vUBsPWSRhTY_gCgVlsR7vmWU2lJgQtUXYo4NDHEv3jjGwHjp_aMHEtzgVostDn_3_IngLLVfp57HNBvvDsBLDZnySnLoQziTEP9aF0Q69BFsx3KlGmj7WSxlHski53DuLS2BNY7Qh5uWHE_yFGjTwJnB7guO5uXY-RQeobTgODZLI-Xv5542d87UNeEFEgcO8qmTXrsCsG7GA_K2p2_f5-qTJqBpAFArc5OI1aTcYPGp35X4X83laNwDdv9rFEbWaug/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rlbakerlab.com ) in the Biology Department
at Miami University of Ohio is recruiting a highly motivated graduate
student (M.S. or Ph.D.) to study plant microevolutionary developmental
biology. Research in the Baker Lab includes work on the evolution and
development of locally adapted wildflower populations (Mimulus) and
leveraging evo-devo approaches for sustainable agriculture in crop systems
(Brassica).  Current research involves broad, interdisciplinary approaches
to understanding genotype to phenotype connections and environmental
interactions throughout organismic ontogeny from genomic, transcriptomic,
anatomic, morphological, and physiological perspectives. The research
will primarily be conducted at Miami University, but may necessitate
some extended travel for summer fieldwork.

Miami University features multiple greenhouses,
a center for bioinformatics and genomics
(http://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/centers/cbfg),
a center for advanced microscopy and imaging (CAMI;
https://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/centers/cami/), a 170
acre (69 hectare) Ecological Research Center field station
(http://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/centers/erc/), and an Institute for
Food (http://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/centers/iff/index.html),
which maintains an organic farm
(https://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/centers/iff/our-farm/index.html).

Preferred candidates will have a background in organismal
evolution. Experience with or coursework in genetics (molecular or
quantitative), genomics/bioinformatics, physiology, and/or statistical
analyses would be an asset. Students from diverse backgrounds,
and/or who participated in research preparation programs including
NSF Research Experiences for Undergrads (REU) or McNair Scholars,
are highly encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants will receive tuition waivers and at least one
year of support as research assistants (typically their second year)
and are guaranteed teaching assistantships throughout their graduate
studies (2 years total for M.S. or 6 years total for Ph.D.).

Miami University is located in Oxford <http://secure-web.cisco.com/12xZJ_E_qxC5i6ZmCBlz_VPzpGX056RTCJkeK1SI-HU5TFJGxvJYD5_SaGWJrWW9t3Z59NSLx2HSDtMXYwzCf2bxWWc9Ev73yTXKcvDqBF9foxQoivDkgs-gtKwhMK9UTDC9EfkPxv0yP_qdhXRSZPNqnrIMS9UUpWOZSuIFvCdEfpT9GlCeGAnsn01QKv3sbIZTJBrC3hXftkc1q52DFNgTPBsTgJmOKRCrT8EGHL2oqATSivLg7QuTytJ2G46Y5X5xpjCBa_cmFXrBZv0UBkUNLtI_HhKx-aN37azSYWIbKf_P0dSxz4z01f6AzBG2z4te8oewlsqpCqZFGnl_46WeuGmHVM8aYgUqRXzPnMwbhZ5g5vYNeMPISHP56DD5ic23Eg2rKe9E6aocoF1Y39V04nDt1FxxLI2SpGItAVzwJmugfuaA4d4GBn5tBDXMznr4QPf5DejxtjNE3MOn5_Q/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cityofoxford.org%2F>,
Ohio. Oxford is approximately one hour from both Cincinnati
<http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityofcincinnati/> and Dayton
<http://www.daytonohio.gov/>, and two hours from Columbus
<http://www.columbus.gov/>.  Living in Oxford and being a part of the
Miami University community will give you access to a number of exciting
opportunities such as weekly farmer’s market, summer concerts, performing
arts, sports, museums, lectures, and special events. Nearby Hueston
Woods State Park offers 3,000 acres of outdoor recreation including
hiking, fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, and fossil hunting.

Applicants should submit a personal statement, CV, 3 letters
of recommendation, GRE scores, proof English proficiency (if
applicable), and baccalaureate transcripts by January 1, 2018 via
http://miamioh.edu/graduate-school/admission/.  Interested applicants
should contact Dr. Robert Baker at robert.baker@miamioh.edu with any
questions.

For more information about graduate programs in the Biology Department,
visit:

http://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/departments/biology/academics/graduate-studies/index.html

-Rob Baker

Robert L Baker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Miami University of Ohio

I am recruiting graduate students for Fall 2018 to study the evolution and genomics of insect-microbe symbioses at the University of Hawaii.

The Chong lab uses a combination of experimental, molecular, and bioinformatic approaches to investigate the evolution and genomics of symbiosis. Research in the lab currently focuses on (1) understanding how accelerated rates of mutation accumulation in symbionts  impacts genome evolution and host fitness (2) investigating the processes that shape the evolutionary trajectory of symbiotic lineages. Our lab uses the model system for symbiosis, pea aphids and their symbiont Buchnera aphidicola, as well as other insect-symbiont systems to investigate these topics. We also use vertebrate systems to investigate additional questions related to cytonuclear interactions and genome coevolution.

Students with experience in evolution, genomics, organismal biology, and/or bioinformatics are particularly encouraged to apply.

For more information about the lab please visit: http://secure-web.cisco.com/1n11ho0JfWXj9aNGvaGM9od7OUocxe44QTptjPA8lZSC6KDW_73cbi2i4zBRBP-PCreTzc2AaN4z5Vjej6wvDN0HRW6PgWPbRXwcitxXkd-Lr3ebKwJ_VmB3VGQqtOJwwDLARncbnlIrVk0tFjTSyMoaFi2XKNDS3WwxfqgsIWRbupiHgR8WynOKZ6jmUcctR_tocYE5K0ggz-eFlRenYn6bVoSCe3akbS-MPUD-TP5K-aHG0E2WAd1tmXTb6Pr_bttuo5esbXNcrqP6MYW2uDJM5-GhmrwgggzC-hZY2V9vyCZnag-FRvCyf__GuwBeeCSYlmewgQU20teyUbTQnBhC5N6mNSSi186INGULI2HU09AjmHEK0XgRRSveUeoWuLSEPpXBjnR29M5jLSUF872Pm0ooitw68-Kupk2WcClrc_GWYG405SnZ2UgUPEaZbkKKENVmbf6jEE2k8cbBNFQ/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chonglab.org

Prospective students are encouraged to email Becky Chong at rachong@hawaii.edu. Please include in your email a statement about 1) the research questions that you would like to pursue and how these fit in with current lab research, 2) a brief overview of your previous academic and research experiences, and 3) a CV (and GRE scores if available).

***Note: In order to apply for the program you must have taken the GRE, and applicants with a first language other than English must submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

The deadline for application to the graduate program is December 15, 2017.
For information about graduate admissions visit: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/biology/graduate/admissions
For information about the program and department visit: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/biology/

Dr. Rebecca A. Chong
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Integrative Biology
University of Texas at Austin

Beginning January 2018:
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Hawaii