The Gugger Lab at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is seeking a motived Ph.D. student interested in ecological genomics of trees. The student would design his/her own topic of investigation related to population, landscape, or ecological genomics; phylogeography; molecular ecology; hybridization; and/or epigenetics. The lab focuses on using next-generation sequencing approaches to understand how populations of long-lived trees respond evolutionarily to environmental change, the molecular basis of local adaptation, the factors influencing population divergence, the role of hybridization in adaptation and speciation, and implications for conservation under global change.
The ideal student will have prior research experience in population genetics or plant ecology/evolution, molecular laboratory skills, strong quantitative skills, and proficiency in or a strong interest in learning basic bioinformatics/programming (e.g. Linux, Python, R). The position is based at the UMCES Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, Maryland and comes with a highly competitive stipend and benefits package. Three years of support are available through research assistantships, with additional support possible through competitive teaching assistantships. Finalists for the position will also be encouraged to apply for fellowships through UMCES: www.umces.edu/education/graduate/fellowships. The student will matriculate through the Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences Program (MEES) at the University of Maryland, College Park and will reside at the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg for the duration of the project. Frostburg is a small college town in the mountains of western Maryland, providing abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. To apply, please email Paul Gugger (pgug...@umces.edu) a single PDF containing (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three references. Please indicate “Genomics PhD position” in your subject line. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2015 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found, with starting dates available as soon as January 2016 and no later than September 2016. UMCES is an affirmative action, EOE. Individuals with disabilities, veterans, women and minorities are encouraged to apply. This ad is also posted at http://www.umces.edu/al/employment.
