PhD in Wildlife Population Genomics and Disease Ecology University Of Wyoming, Laramie
PhD graduate student positions are available to study wildlife genomics and population genetics (main focus), with second focus on wildlife population health and/or disease ecology. Positions may start as early as January 2015 for Spring semester. Apply by October 24 or as soon as possible for January 2015 start date. Apply by December 1, 2014 for Fall 2015 start date. Laboratory and quantitative studies involve evaluating landscape-level wildlife population ecology and health using tools including genomics and population genetics. Species of focus may involve one or more of large mammals (mountain lion, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and others) and/or birds (hummingbirds and other groups) of the Rocky Mountain West and California. Research aims to improve wildlife conservation and management through better understanding relationships among the genetic diversity and ecology of wildlife and relationships with their pathogens. Positions will be based within the Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology (Ernest) Laboratory in the Department of Veterinary Sciences (which has collaborations with faculty in the University of Wyoming Program in Ecology, the Wyoming State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and the University of California, Davis Wildlife Health Center). In addition to excellent wildlife and ecology science at UW, Laramie offers easy access to the Rocky Mountains and outdoor activities including skiing and hiking. Qualifications: The successful candidate will have: 1) B.S. degree in biological science; 2) Keen interests in laboratory and quantitative research on genomics and ecology of wildlife and their population health; 3) Superior academic performance including excellent quantitative, written, verbal skills (good GRE scores, high GPA in science, math, etc.); 4) Excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, positive and flexible attitude, and ability to work independently and also work well in a team atmosphere with diverse types of people (undergraduate trainees, field biologists, members of the public, etc.); 5) Passion for bench lab work and data analysis – positions will have predominant laboratory and computer-based research components; 6) Interest and ability to participate in occasional wildlife field work. Some wildlife field experience preferred. Additional desirable knowledge, skills, and abilities may include any of the following (but not required): • Laboratory genomic or genetic analysis, and DNA data analysis; or disease research (of any organism: animal, human, plant, microbe); • Program R and/or programming languages such as Python, etc. • Lab work and/or data analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS) data (Illumina or similar), NGS library construction, real-time PCR, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and PCR equipment; experience with cutting-edge genomic techniques; • For PhD program, desirable to have a Master’s degree in genomics and/or experience in analyses of large DNA data sets using a variety of computational tools. How to Apply: To apply for this position please submit an electronic application via email in PDF format to hern...@uwyo.edu and note which semester you are applying for (Spring 2015 or Fall 2015). Include a Letter of Intent stating research interests and career goals, C.V. (resume), GRE scores including percentiles, transcripts (can be unofficial copies), GPA overall and last two years, and names and contact information for three references to Dr. Holly Ernest, Professor and Wyoming Excellence Chair in Disease Ecology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY 82070. The selected applicant would also need to apply for or be matriculated in a PhD degree program at University of Wyoming (US residents and citizens only). For graduate applications see http://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/graduate.
