Thermal physiology of salamanders in contrasting environments Graduate opportunity in the newly established Gifford lab at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Research in the Gifford lab is focused on how ectotherms (salamanders and lizards) deal with variation in environmental conditions (temperature) and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of these strategies. The lab has an opening for a Masters student to start in the Fall of 2010. This opportunity is available to undertake studies on the thermal physiology and life history of salamanders in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Three potential research topics are: 1. Sources of variation in growth rates between salamanders from stable versus variable thermal environments. 2. Thermodynamic constraints on performance curves in salamanders from stable versus variable environments. 3. Pattern of natural selection on phenotypic traits in salamander populations from stable versus variable thermal environments. The topics listed above are of particular interest; however, the prospective student will have some opportunity expand upon these themes for their thesis research. Research will involve both field and lab components. Fieldwork will occur during most months of the year and occasionally under adverse conditions. Field sites are in fairly close proximity to UALR (maximum ~3 hr drive) and include some of the most beautiful natural areas in the state (Buffalo National River). The student will be supported by a teaching assistantship (TA) through the Department of Biology, which includes a full tuition waiver. Research support (travel to field sites, lodging, and field equipment) will be provided in part by current funding. In addition to animal care facilities available in the Department of Biology, the Gifford lab is well equipped for physiological studies on a variety of ectotherms (environmental chambers, respirometry system, high-speed video, and calorimetry). Preferred qualifications include some record of prior research experience, and an interest in physiology, ecology, or evolution; and a herpetological interest. Minimum admission requirements to the Masters program at UALR include a B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale), upper level coursework in four of the following six areas (cell/molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, organismal biology), two lecture courses in physics, four lecture courses in chemistry (organic and inorganic), and a minimum combined score of 950 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE General test. Program application deadline is April 1 for Fall semester entry. Please send initial inquiries via email to [email protected]. Please include contact information for two references; a brief statement of your research experience, goals, and why our lab would be a good fit; and a CV. Feel free to check out general lab information at the Gifford Lab website (http://web.me.com/gifford/Gifford_Lab/Home.html).
