Graduate positions (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) are available in the Atallah Lab (https://sites.google.com/view/atallahlab) in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of New Orleans (UNO). We are currently looking for students interested in working on one of the following two projects:
1) Simulating the role of transposable elements in evolution and human disease:
In recent years, evidence has accumulated that transposable elements (TEs) play important roles in both evolutionary processes (such as changes in gene regulation) and the progression of diseases such as cancer. We are developing computer simulations of the activity of TEs in both the soma and the germline. Students interested in this project should be familiar with Shell scripting and computer programming.
2) The evolution of the early embryonic transcriptome in Drosophila species:
Embryonic transcriptomes from diverse species can be readily compared due to similarities in embryonic stages. We are analyzing transcriptomes from different stages of early embryogenesis in Drosophila species. Students interested in this project should be prepared for molecular lab work, bioinformatic analysis and possible field collection of samples.
Interested students should send an email to jatallah@uno.edu<mailto:jatallah@uno.edu>. Please include a brief description of your background (or a CV or resume), and mention which project you’re interested in and why you’re excited about this project.
The University of New Orleans is a public research university and part of the University of Louisiana system. New Orleans is a diverse and historic city with a vibrant culture.

Joel Atallah, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
202 Biology Building
Department of Biological Sciences
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148
(504) 280-7057
https://sites.google.com/view/atallahlab

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