The Department of Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is recruiting doctoral students for Fall 2025! All PhD students are guaranteed a full five years of funding, including salary, tuition, and healthcare.
Our department spans a wide range of cutting-edge topics and techniques in biological research, with four major research areas: genomics, microbiology, ecology and evolution, and cellular, molecular and developmental biology. Our PhD program focuses on training students to apply sophisticated quantitative techniques to solve research problems in these areas, giving our graduates a competitive advantage for careers in industry, government, or academia. Applicants can either apply to single labs (direct entry), or apply to enter the rotation program, which gives students the opportunity to conduct research in three labs before deciding which to join. Applications are due on December 1, 2024. Applicants should contact faculty and identify potential advisors before applying – you can begin by consulting the list of recruiting labs below! Recruiting professors include: * Esther Betran: The Betran Lab is interested in novelty in the genomes. We focus on the origin of new genes and their functions. We try to understand their role in genome evolution, adaptation and species differences. The model organism we use for this is Drosophila and the current projects are on duplicated genes and genes "domesticated" from transposable elements. * * Cara Boutte: The Boutte lab studies the molecular mechanisms of expansion and remodeling of the mycobacterial cell wall. In addition, we study how cell wall metabolism is regulated, and how that regulation contributes to antibiotic resistance and antibiotic tolerance. * * JC Buckner: The IDER lab largely focuses on understanding the evolutionary history of terrestrial tetrapods. We integrate genetics, morphometrics and paleontological data to understand how biodiversity is generated, maintained and lost through time. Our work typically starts with molecular systematics - building comprehensive, time-calibrated phylogenies that reveal species relationships as well as the tempo and mode of diversification. From there, we explore trait evolution and the evolution of adaptive genetic loci in the context of evolutionary ecology. Some of our current projects include signals of genetic quality and mate choice in squirrel monkeys, evolutionary immunogenetics in California newts, and the genetic basis of convergent phenotypes in waterfowl. Please visit our website, iderlab.org, to learn more. * * Todd Castoe: Population genomics of speciation to link theory with empirical data; Population genomics of schistomiasis transmission and the impact of control measures on natural selection. Genome-wide association studies to link traits with selection in the context of speciation and hybridization. * * Woo-Suk Chang: The Chang Lab focuses on soil microbiomes related to climate change and probiotics-related human gut microbiomes. For soil microbiomes, the lab collaborates with farmers to implement climate-smart practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in soybean fields. In the area of human gut microbiomes, the lab studies the effects of fermented soybean products on gut health and microbiome composition. * * Jeff Demuth: The Demuth Lab studies the evolution of sex chromosomes and molecular genetics of behavior, primarily using beetles as a model system. * * Shane DuBay: We use natural history collections to understand environmental change and its diverse impacts. Work in the lab focuses on urban ecology and evolution, environmental health, and environmental justice. * * Theodora Koromila: The Koromila Lab studies the regulatory mechanisms that drive cell identity over time, using cutting-edge genomics and super-resolution live imaging techniques. * * Daniela Palmer: We are interested in understanding the genetic underpinnings of biodiversity, especially in sex-related traits. We study the evolution of sex chromosomes and other parts of the genome that contribute to sex-specific adaptation. Our research focuses on a group of insects known as treehoppers that show fascinating diversity in morphology, behavior, and beyond. * * Alison Ravenscraft: Our ultimate goal is to understand how the bacterial symbionts of insects impact ecosystem-level processes such as plant consumption and pollination. We are currently focused on understanding when and how gut microbiota detoxify both natural plant defenses and made-made pesticides for herbivorous insects (beetles, grasshoppers and caterpillars). * * Alicia Rogers: The Rogers Lab seeks to understand how small RNA-mediated gene regulation maintains robust execution of cellular and physiological processes during normal and stress conditions. We aim to establish a comprehensive map of the regulatory logic embedded within small RNA pathways that coordinates pathway homeostasis and robust gene expression. * * Qing Tang: Bacterial physiology, pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and host interactions of human pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. We use both cell-culture and mouse models. * * Matthew Walsh: The Walsh lab evaluates the ecological drivers of evolutionary change in killifish on the island of Trinidad and waterfleas in lakes in Alaska. To apply, and for more information see: https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/science/departments/biology/graduate-programs/phd-program About UTA: UT Arlington is an R1-ranked research university, the second largest institution in the University of Texas system and one of the 10 fastest growing universities in the nation. We are a Hispanic-serving institution and rank #5 in the nation for ethnic diversity. The Biology Department (http://www.uta.edu/biology) offers access to numerous resources including state-of-the-art labs, an Animal Care Facility, a Genomics Core Facility, the North Texas Genomics Center, the world-class Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center, and the Shimadzu Institute for Research Technologies. These offer extensive and cutting-edge resources for high-throughput sequencing, imaging, proteomics, analytical chemistry, and more. About Arlington: Arlington is situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, affording access to numerous restaurants and entertainment opportunities (museums, zoos, aquariums, theatre, music, sports, microbreweries). The city of Arlington alone has 82 public parks, including River Legacy Parks, a 1,300-acre oasis on the Trinity River in the heart of north Arlington. Arlington is the home of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Texas Rangers Ballpark, and Six Flags Over Texas. More information on the city of Arlington can be found at www.experiencearlington.org. Qualifications • Applicants must have completed their bachelor's degree in biology or a related field by summer 2025. • Strong work ethic and independence • Strong communication and teamwork skills • Excellent English writing and speaking ability. To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
