Graduate student opportunities are available to study butterfly evolution and development at Mississippi State University.
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> Background:
> Butterfly wing color patterns serve as fantastic models to study the origin of adaptive novelty from evolutionary and developmental perspectives. We are seeking students for two NSF funded projects (awards 1736026 and 1755329) aimed to explore the genomic and developmental changes responsible for adaptive variation in pigment and structurally based wing color patterns. We are particularly recruiting students interested in studying (1) the developmental pathways involved in structural coloration, or (2) the molecular evolution of gene families and networks across Lepidoptera. These are part of larger collaborative projects with Ryan Range (Auburn University), Federico Hoffmann (Mississippi State University), Riccardo papa (University of Puerto Rico) and Arnaud Martin (George Washington University). Students will have opportunities to work directly with the collaborative team to develop their specific research projects, including opportunities to visit and work directly with c
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> Qualifications:
> We are looking for highly motivated students interested in exploring the genomic and developmental drivers of evolutionary novelty. Candidates should have a strong background in biology, and preferably basic skills in computational biology and/or molecular biology research methods. Candidates should also have good organization skills and work well in a collaborative team environment.
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> How to apply:
> The positions will be based in the Counterman lab at Mississippi State University. Please email a statement of interest and CV to Brian Counterman, bcounterman@biology.msstate.edu
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> Student applications received by December 15th will be given priority consideration for competitively awarded stipend enhancements and have chances to be invited to an on-campus visit in Spring 2020.
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> Graduate Program:
> Mississippi State University is home to a growing group of faculty that study the evolutionary genomics of biological variation. The Department of Biological Sciences hosts an excellent graduate program in biology, and a new interdisciplinary, cross-college graduate program in Computational Biology is currently being established with anticipated start in Fall 2020. MSU is located in Starkville, a quaint southern college town with a historic downtown district that celebrates the local music and cuisine. For more information on the Counterman lab please visit the lab website: (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.countermanlab.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C15cb565ececb49414c3a08d7683389d5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C1%7C637092442873564790&sdata=PF3nz1uWa5w%2BmhvNX7b3ZHeUYjpqicsRyJrU9BF2sok%3D&reserved=0). Opportunities are available for both MS and/or PhD students.
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