The Manthey research group in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University is recruiting 1-2 PhD students to work on funded genomics projects beginning Fall 2024.

We currently have funded projects to investigate landscape genomics, population genomics, and genome evolution in carpenter ants and their microbial symbionts. Graduate students would be encouraged to develop their own projects under these broad themes. For more information about these lines of research and our lab more generally, please visit: mantheylab.org.

Interested individuals should email a CV/resume to Dr. Joseph Manthey ( jdmanthey@gmail.com or joseph.manthey@ttu.edu), as well as an informal statement of how your interests overlap with the research projects in the lab.

The Department of Biological Sciences has a strong and dynamic group of scientists with a focus in ecology and evolutionary biology. The department has strengths in multiple areas of genomics, bioinformatics, and specialized disciplines of ecology and evolutionary biology. The departmental website can be found here: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depts.ttu.edu%2Fbiology%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cc48680942c5143bbc84408dbbf4337ad%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638314067640882909%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2yO%2F0uU%2FgltKptlqnXbI83EJo4o51ZZQiGcAdun3R8c%3D&reserved=0

~Deadline for applications~ Our department has a deadline of January 1 for applicants applying to start the following fall. Please find all application details here:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depts.ttu.edu%2Fbiology%2Facademics%2Fgraduate%2Fprospective-students%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cc48680942c5143bbc84408dbbf4337ad%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638314067640882909%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KY22OfPFqy6WgqF1HZzg1lsAKG28le09vlhP1Ku%2FiQY%3D&reserved=0

All qualified applicants are encouraged to contact me with their statement of interest. While academic scores have a role in admissions, motivation and enthusiasm for genomics and research experience are highly valued.

PhD Opportunities in Evolutionary Ecology The Bassar lab at Auburn University is inviting applications for PhD students interested in evolutionary ecology starting in fall 2024. Members of the lab address diverse topics in evolutionary ecology including eco-evolutionary feedbacks and their role life history evolution, the evolution of species coexistence, and host-parasite interactions. We address these questions in a diversity of ways, including the development of theory and empirical research. Most of the empirical research involves studies of fish communities (guppies and killifish) on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. Both fish species are amenable to experiments in the lab, in seminatural artificial streams, and natural populations. Students working on their dissertation research have access to each of these facilities and to a long-term experimental evolution study of guppies in Trinidad run by my collaborators and me.

Please visit my webpage (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fron-bassar.squarespace.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf6da6a4af062405cbb1608dbbf4a2d98%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638314097544548603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xfkJLBGBKHjUoz1gdXT72kMEtvfbC9SVyXnXNFBPp%2BU%3D&reserved=0) for more information about the lab group and The Guppy Project page
(https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheguppyproject.weebly.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf6da6a4af062405cbb1608dbbf4a2d98%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638314097544548603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=P4YSsUSpNsdyt8CjJIxnL9VeY7EMvWRqd%2BjzBH7T5%2FU%3D&reserved=0) for more information about the long-term experimental research in Trinidad.

The Biological Sciences Department at Auburn is a growing group researchers interested in a diversity of questions. Graduate students in the department receive guaranteed funding for 5 years, typically in the form of Teaching Assistantships. I also have funding for several Research Assistantships.

Prospective students should email Ron Bassar at rdb0057@auburn.edu. Please include a cover letter describing your research interests, future goals, and how doing a PhD in the group will help you to achieve those goals. Please also include a CV and contact information for two references.


Ron Bassar
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Auburn University

Personal Webpage: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ron-bassar.squarespace.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf6da6a4af062405cbb1608dbbf4a2d98%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638314097544548603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0qnud8a3dZ%2BQELRQr4IHsamhqfbr6VZS6XPNTtueK4s%3D&reserved=0
Guppy Project Webpage: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguppyproject.weebly.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf6da6a4af062405cbb1608dbbf4a2d98%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638314097544548603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HhzCvJTCkyFqqmyNBJCJUFN2OJL6Sav42TlbvWB3Jro%3D&reserved=0


Ronald Bassar <rdb0057@auburn.edu>

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
golding@mcmaster.ca<mailto:golding@mcmaster.ca>)

Paid Research Internships – The Guppy Project

Research interns are needed to assist in a multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator, experimental study of the evolution of species interactions in Trinidad, West Indies. The research is led by Professors David Reznick (University of California, Riverside), Joseph Travis (Florida State University), Tim Coulson (University of Oxford), and Ron Bassar (Auburn University).  We seek to integrate multiple biological fields for the study of these interactions in experimental populations of guppies and killifish in Trinidad. Duties include assisting in monthly censuses of guppy and killifish populations in montane streams and helping to execute experiments in on-site artificial streams. The monthly censuses include long hours in the field and laboratory.

Interns will be required to spend a minimum of 3 months in Trinidad, with possibility of extension, and/or promotion to field site manager. There are potential start dates in February 2024 and every month thereafter until November 2024. We will pay a monthly stipend ($700 USD per month for first time interns), cover travel (up to $900 USD), and provide housing.

Qualifications: We seek interns who are entertaining the possibility of pursuing graduate studies in some area of ecology and evolution and who wish to gain some additional field research experience before doing so.  Research will take place in semi-remote areas of Trinidad, sometimes under bad weather conditions. Applicants must be able to live and work well with others. Research will involve carrying heavy packs over slippery and steep terrain. Applicants must be in good physical condition and be able to meet the demands of field research under these conditions. Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle is desirable but not required. Applicants with first-aid/first responder training, skills in automobile maintenance, and construction skills are highly desirable. Please address these skills when applying.

Please see our website <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguppyproject.weebly.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cd7728c3296ef4425c6f808dbbe7bef5f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638313211742867856%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7pdb7f5qNAWubQq9hnClLfcB9KLdqibUSOKwoLvYwcA%3D&reserved=0> for more information on the project and access to reprints.  Be sure to check out our video menu, which includes a “guppy censuses” as submenu VII.
It details the main tasks associated with the internship.

Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and the names and e-mail addresses of three or more professional references to David Reznick (gupy@ucr.edu). At least two of the references should be academics.

I’m writing to share information about STEM funding opportunities. Many of these scholarships and fellowships have early fall deadlines for funding for the 23/24 academic year, and these early deadlines can catch students off guard!

 

At the moment, PathwaysToScience.org has over 65 portable scholarships and fellowships posted on the site, all within STEM, including those funded by NSF, NASA, and other federal programs.

 

Undergraduate scholarships and resources for applying: Summer Research Programs & Scholarships in STEM (Undergrad level) (pathwaystoscience.org)

PhD opportunity: Mechanisms of climatic adaptation in plants

Are you interested in the genetic and physiological mechanisms of adaptation, the costs of plasticity, and/or understanding potential maladaptive responses to climate change?

The Oakley lab in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University is recruiting a PhD student for Fall 2024 for an NSF funded project connecting the genotype-phenotype-fitness map for cold acclimation, an adaptive plastic response in seasonally freezing environments. Cold acclimation is common in plants throughout the temperate zones and involves dramatic metabolic and physiological changes in response to cool autumn temperatures which increase winter freezing tolerance. It is energetically costly, particularly in cool but non-freezing environments, and climate change may exacerbate the negative fitness consequences of this cost. This project (in collaboration with the Dilkes lab in Biochemistry at Purdue) is a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of a naturally occurring sequence polymorphism in a key regulatory gene on molecular and organismal phenotypes and fitness in contrasting conditions that mimic the native environments in which the ecotypes evolved. There are many opportunities for new directions building off the main themes of the project. There is a vibrant community of interdisciplinary plant biologists (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fag.purdue.edu%2Fcpb%2Ffaculty%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf4f5ff32068549165cd708dbb6a77518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638304602572265135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VodxKA77qCKo71poqZhtQ6Qw6gdlINTyCIOXIAhMwVc%3D&reserved=0)
at Purdue, providing ample opportunity for interaction and collaboration.

A BS/BA degree in ecology & evolution, genetics, plant biology, or related field is required (by Spring 2024), as is a strong interest in learning to use transcriptomic and metabolomic tools to answer evolutionary questions. No specific skills are required, but some combination of experience in experimental biology, molecular genetics, plant care, and bioinformatics/quantitative analysis is strongly preferred.

If you are interested in applying, please email your CV and a short
(1-2 paragraph) email explaining your interest in graduate school in general, and the lab and project in particular. This should be done prior to applying, ideally no later than 4 weeks prior to the application deadline. Applications are due by Nov. 15th, 2023 and do NOT require the GRE. This is a direct admit program (no rotations). Students interested in doing rotations may also apply via the interdisciplinary plant science program (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fag.purdue.edu%2Fcpb%2Fapply-now.html&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf4f5ff32068549165cd708dbb6a77518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638304602572265135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oaBMa8ku3MQdgdIe%2FVYcvj69cXf%2Bs0LlTva%2Fd4%2FncLk%3D&reserved=0).

Chris Oakley
oakleyc@purdue.edu
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbtny.purdue.edu%2Flabs%2Foakley&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf4f5ff32068549165cd708dbb6a77518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638304602572265135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1LVnlVVb8fF%2FJo0HdIeVBaOVHjHntBX16K1TTq5t4WY%3D&reserved=0


“Oakley, Christopher G” <oakleyc@purdue.edu>

Right Whale Ecology Program – Photo-ID Internship, The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown, MA

Right Whale Ecology Program – Habitat Internship, The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown, MA

Habitat Restoration Internship – Fall 2023, Save The Bay, Southern RI; remote office work

PhD opportunity in Evolutionary Ecology

The Turcotte Lab of Experimental Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for a PhD student interested in studying rapid evolution in response to environmental pollution using experimental evolution. The research would utilize our rapid and manipulatable duckweed system allowing for a combination of field, mesocosm, and lab experiments.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.martinturcotte.net%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cfbc3ef1b377c442974cb08dbb50e64d8%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638302845656977072%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jBtLdReIKJL1TC2UVFWfMBsenGYj86GapKqFYNWoyVg%3D&reserved=0

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. The department also runs the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, which is equipped with lab space and housing to facilitate field-based research in northwestern Pennsylvania. The City of Pittsburgh is a vibrant and beautiful place to live.  All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for 5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships.

Prospective students should email me at:    turcotte@pitt.edu with a
short paragraph stating why you are interested in the lab and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Martin Turcotte, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh

MS graduate position in Biology with focus on plant and microbiome genomics

The Puzey and Dalgleish Labs (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpuzeylab.weebly.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cec86360012a9407f936e08dbb4449e31%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638301979037400175%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Qn21zeOvuLxFFzO4uR0ElIpMvpqgBGi%2F69KfRmWmNoc%3D&reserved=0) are looking for one new M.S. graduate student to begin in Fall 2024. We are looking for students who are passionate about plants, conservation, and genomics.
We have a newly funded project studying taro on the islands of French Polynesia. Specifically, using a genomic approach, we are seeking to understand the connection between, taro’s introduction history, population genetics, cultivation practices, and soil microbiome. Experience with Python and/or R is desirable.

Please email Josh Puzey (jrpuzey@wm.edu) for additional information.

Chartered in 1693, William and Mary (W&M) is the second oldest school in the US and located in historic Williamsburg, VA.  W&M offers a two-year, research-intensive M.S. program where students are supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. For many students, getting a Master’s degree in two years while earning grants and publications allows them to gain admittance to high-profile Ph.D. programs or take that next career step.

Additional information can be found:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wm.edu%2Fas%2Fbiology%2Fgraduate%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cec86360012a9407f936e08dbb4449e31%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638301979037556408%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=R23CN%2FSyokYTHh7t4Yj31LKtarZzujg5kyoW9FNgXDo%3D&reserved=0
The GRE is not required for admission.

The Toll lab at the University of South Carolina is recruiting graduate students (master’s or PhD). Students will develop a project on the genetic basis or ecological significance of traits underlying adaptation and speciation in monkeyflowers. Monkeyflowers (*Mimulus*, *Erythranthe*, *Diplacus*) are an ecological genetic model system with a wealth of natural phenotypic, genetic, and ecological (life history, mating system, habitat, etc.) diversity, coupled with genomic tools to address fundamental evolutionary questions. We are currently working on projects about the genetic basis of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, adaptive divergence and the coexistence of closely related species, and ecological specialization and endemism to harsh and unusual soils.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina has a great ecology and evolution group and a large graduate student community. In addition to our lab, there are many related labs including the labs of Drs. Carrie Wessinger (plant evolution, pollination), Brian Hollis (speciation, evolutionary genetics), and Eric LoPresti (plant-insect ecology and evolution). Columbia is a small city with many parks within the city boundaries and Congaree National Park less than half-hour away, with Charleston, Charlotte, and Greenville also within a couple hours. The cost of living is very reasonable and stipends for graduate students are competitive ($26,000/year for master’s and PhD students).

A bachelor’s degree in biology and an interest in plant ecology and evolutionary genetics is required. Previous experience with any of the following is preferred but not required: plant growth, molecular biology lab work, bioinformatics, and field experience. I encourage all interested students to reach out, nomatter your background, GPA in college, or country of residence. We do not require GRE scores for applicants and consider both potential master’s and doctoral students equally. In addition, the graduate school is waiving all graduate application fees this year.

We have these exciting options for your students in South Africa, Kenya and Ecuador:

 

1. 14-day Marine Biology field course in South Africa
2. 19-day Big 5 experience in South Africa
3. 19-day Ecology South Africa course
4. 16-day Ecology Kenya course
5. 11-day Ecology Ecuador course

 

As always, our courses are designed to expose students to a wide range of career options in the conservation sector, with a mix of practical hands-on experiences and interactions with some of the field’s top research and conservation professionals. For more information about who we are and what we do, please see the PDF examples below, or visit https://discovereden.co.za.  As an active publishing researcher, I understand the value of early field experiences in shaping career choices for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and I would appreciate it if you were again able to share these opportunities with your students. If you are interested in discussing a more structured partnership, we are open to that too.