Graduate students interested in the ecology and evolution of desert Drosophila and their host plants are welcome (as well as other topics in population biology and evolution). Funds are available to support MS or Ph.D. students, including summer salary, travel, and supplies. Please contact me for more details.
Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship, Functional Genomics
University of Arkansas
An NSF-funded graduate research assistantship is available to support Ph.D. candidates interested in functional genomics of adaptation. The project involves laboratory and field experiments designed to discover patterns of gene expression in populations of cactophilic Drosophila mojavensis exposed to different host plants in stressful and non-stressful thermal regimes. Our general goals are to uncover whole-genome patterns of gene expression in populations exposed to natural abiotic and biotic stress. Ultimately, we wish to pinpoint clusters of functionally interacting genes expressed throughout the life cycle in different environments, and predict limits of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation, particularly in response to stressful environments and long-term global climate change. Laboratory experiments will involve DNA microarrays to study gene expression changes due to different host cacti and temperature stresses, as well as differences in epicuticular hydrocarbons. Field-related work will include monitoring of wild flies, demography of wild populations, and analysis of hydrocarbon and RNA profiles. The position is part of a collaborative project involving the Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Applicants must gain admission to the Ph.D. program in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Application information is available at http://biology.uark.edu/1251.htm. Stipends start at $22.8K/12 months; tuition and benefits are also covered. Supplemental funding is available on a competitive basis for applicants qualifying for Doctoral Fellowships at the Univ. of Arkansas (http://biology.uark.edu/1255.htm). The position is currently open. To apply, please contact me for information and assistance.
William J. Etges
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701 USA
479-575-6358
wetges@uark.edu
http://comp.uark.edu/~wetges/wetges.html
UAF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Undergraduate researchers who desire laboratory/field training in ecology and evolutionary biology are also encouraged to apply. Funding from the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program is available on a competitive basis. Please submit recent transcripts, a statement of research interests, and have at least 2 letters of recommendation sent to me.