The Bittleston Lab (
https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bittlestonlab.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C863bb16df05a4238b91d08d73e67ce1c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637046487876706645&sdata=wSXFDTpPUgsHK4LNv93WzHwGz%2FN4%2Ba1XNKlCqy%2Fxdu8%3D&reserved=0) is recruiting
motivated students for Fall 2020 to study ecological and evolutionary
dynamics of plant- and insect-associated microbial communities. Potential
Ph.D. projects can be based in either the small ecosystems formed within
pitchers of carnivorous pitcher plants, or the local sagebrush steppe
ecosystem. The Ph.D. student will work as part of a collaborative team of
researchers across different universities. The student will participate
in fieldwork and lab work¡Xincluding culturing of bacteria or fungi
and molecular assays¡Xas well as data analysis, writing, and presenting
results.
Qualifications
Competitive students will have 1) a Master¡¦s degree in Biology,
Ecology, Microbiology or a related field; 2) evidence of strong writing
(e.g., grant proposals, publications) and quantitative skills (e.g.,
bioinformatics, coding, modeling); 3) experience with molecular assays
and/or microbial culturing; and 4) an interest in understanding mechanisms
of community assembly or the ecology and evolution of plant-microbial
interactions. Please address these points in your introductory email
and in your cover letter. The position starts Fall (August) 2020.
Stipend and Benefits
This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantship
(renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health
insurance.
About the Program and Boise
The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Ph.D. is a new and modern
graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings
together faculty from across multiple academic departments including
biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and the human-environment
systems group to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship
and training opportunities. Further, we have created a network of
valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal
and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships
with international organizations all dedicated to providing students
with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse
career opportunities. Additional resources at Boise State include the
Biomolecular Research Center (
https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrc.boisestate.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C863bb16df05a4238b91d08d73e67ce1c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637046487876706645&sdata=P%2BVHgg%2BGzHD4WY80QUpnC5VdF8FPSDxHowlDEsuuYig%3D&reserved=0) and a Research
Computing cluster. Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful
city of Boise, which strikes a perfect balance with close-by outdoor
recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. To learn
more about our EEB program, please visit:
https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boisestate.edu%2Feeb%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C863bb16df05a4238b91d08d73e67ce1c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637046487876706645&sdata=nquCSkQxGchoL5%2FTbOMjGzA8wAN%2B1tfD%2BRdQHx1FS%2Fc%3D&reserved=0.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise is the capital
of the State of Idaho and is frequently featured as a top-ranked
metropolis. The city has lots of opportunities for world-class outdoor
activities year-round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. US
News and World report recently ranked Boise as the 17th best place to
live in the United States.
To Apply
Applicants should email Leonora Bittleston (
leonorabittleston@boisestate.edu)
before December 20th to indicate their interest in this position before
officially applying. The email should include your CV, your GRE scores,
and why you are interested in this research area in particular.
Applications and required application materials must be submitted to
the University by January 15th, 2020. Applicants are required to submit
a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV, the
names and contact information for three references. Applicants will
also submit official university transcripts and GRE test scores. More
information about these requirements and the application process may be
found at:
https://www.boisestate.edu/eeb/prospective-students/Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty,
student body, and staff. In addition, the Bittleston Lab is dedicated to
increasing ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic diversity in STEM fields,
because diverse perspectives lead to a stronger and more innovative
society. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Specifically, students from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups
who have participated in LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority
Participation) programs in their undergraduate institutions are
encouraged to co-apply for the Boise State Bridge to the Doctorate
Fellowship. This fellowship includes an excellent funding package
with a $32,000 stipend annually for the first 2 years, a tuition
and fee supplement, community building among fellows, individual
faculty mentors provided to fellows, enriched academic and research
opportunities, and participation in annual PNW LSAMP Alliance
Conference and Graduate Showcase. More details can be found here:
https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boisestate.edu%2Fstem%2Flsamp%2Fbridge-to-doctorate-fellowship%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C863bb16df05a4238b91d08d73e67ce1c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637046487876706645&sdata=LUVaWoVIBTDfx%2BAVoxm0zgXmS1LcZX3myd6CUBj5H9E%3D&reserved=0.
“Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Graduate Program” <
eebprogram@boisestate.edu>