The Louca Lab at the University of Oregon, Eugene, USA, is seeking PhD students
to work on the ecology of microbial (prokaryotic) metabolism, its interaction
with large-scale biogeochemical fluxes and/or its role in microbial
macroevolution, using any combination of mathematical modeling, bioinformatics,
microcosm experiments and/or field surveys.
Potential topics include:
• The statistical properties of global prokaryotic genomic
diversity
• Gene-level and genome-level processes of prokaryotic
macroevolution
• Development and validation of pathway-centric
ecological/biogeochemical models
• The role of genomic structure in the dynamics of
ecosystem-scale microbial metabolic networks
• Experimental and mathematical characterization of microbial
system kinetics
• Development of efficient phylogenetic and phylogenomic
computational tools for analyzing global prokaryotic diversity
• Estimating global prokaryotic phylogenetic/phenotypic diversity
• Coevolution of microbial diversity with large-scale geological
transitions
Skilled prospective PhD students from a wide range of related disciplines, such
as biology, physics, environmental studies or computer science, interested in
microbial ecology and evolution, are encouraged to consider joining the Louca
lab. Experience in programming (any language), bioinformatics (especially
genomics and metagenomics), mathematical modeling and/or molecular biology are
strong assets but not absolute requirements. The most important skills are
creativity, attention to clear deductive reasoning, as well as a strong
motivation to learn and to solve problems.
Additional information is available at: www.loucalab.com
Interested students are encouraged to directly contact the lab's principal
investigator, Stilianos Louca, to discuss potential research projects and
application logistics. The 2018 application deadline for the University of
Oregon Department of Biology graduate program is December 1st.
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Stilianos Louca, Asst. Professor
Department of Biology
Institute of Ecology and Evolution
University of Oregon, Eugene
www.LoucaLab.com
