The Parchman lab at the University of Nevada, Reno is recruiting a PhD student to conduct population genetic and genomic analyses on a suite of native plants in the Great Basin Desert. The student would be advised by Dr. Thomas Parchman (Department of Biology; http://parchmanlab.com) and co-advised by Dr. Elizabeth Leger (Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences; http://www.ag.unr.edu/leger/Leger/ Home.html). This work, funded by a USDA NIFA grant, aims to determine the phenotypes and evolutionary histories that enhance seedling establishment and to analyze the genetic structure and diversity of native plant populations to inform restoration practices. Ideal applicants would have strong interest in plant evolutionary genetics and some or all of the following qualifications (or a strong desire to learn these skills): 1) Molecular genetic laboratory experience, 2) Programming experience in R, Unix, and/or Perl (or Python), 3) interest in the ecology and evolutionary biology of Great Basin native plants 4) Past experience or strong interest in restoration ecology and restoration genetics.
UNR has a strong interdisciplinary PhD program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://environment.unr.edu/eecb/). Graduate students accepted into the EECB program are guaranteed financial support through Teaching Assistantships (TAs), which includes health insurance and an out-of-state tuition waiver. For this position, funds are additionally available for a number of semesters will be available through Research Assistantships (RAs). The successful applicant could begin the PhD program as soon as Fall 2017, with the possibility of joining the lab sooner as a technician. University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a Tier I research university located in a spectacular environment at the confluence of the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The faculty and graduate students at UNR are highly interactive and include an internationally known group of evolutionary biologists and ecologists. The Parchman lab has recently been renovated, and is equipped with ample (and new) molecular and computational resources for modern genome sequence analysis. We are also located in an ideal setting for field-based projects in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada regions, allowing enviable access to spectacular montane and desert ecosystems. Reno is only 40 minutes from Lake Tahoe, offers a high quality of living, an excellent climate, and is a large enough city to offer diverse activities and amenities. World class rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking opportunities are in extremely close proximity. Interested applicants should send a CV, copies of transcripts, and a statement of research experience and interests to Tom Parchman ([email protected]) and Elizabeth Leger ([email protected]). Consideration will begin immediately and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
