The Franklin lab at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking graduate students interested in microbial ecology and environmental microbiology. Applications from both M.S. and Ph.D. students are welcome. The specific research area may be somewhat flexible depending on the interest and qualifications of the student, but expertise in some or all of the following areas is desired: microbial ecology, metagenomics, bioinformatics, multivariate statistics, biogeochemistry, and soil or wetland ecology. More information about specific projects can be found at www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin.
Interested students should contact Dr. Rima Franklin (rbfrank...@vcu.edu) to discuss their interests *before *applying. With this initial email, provide the following: (i) a brief description of your research interests and career goals, (ii) a resume/CV highlighting any relevant coursework and experience, (iii) unofficial transcripts, and (iv) the names and contact information for three references. Potential Ph.D. students will be directed to apply to the VCU Integrative Life Sciences graduate program (http://lifesciences.vcu.edu). Their application deadline is February 1, 2016. Potential M.S. students will be directed to apply to the VCU MS Program in Biology (http://biology.vcu.edu/graduate-program/ms-program-in-biology/). Their application deadline is January 15, 2016. Graduate assistantships are available in both programs to competitive students. The Franklin Lab is located in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University (http://biology.vcu.edu/) in Richmond, Virginia. VCU is the largest public university in Virginia with a strong and growing program in ecology. In addition to opportunities within the Department of Biology, students may become involved in research associated with VCU Integrative Life Sciences Program (http://lifesciences.vcu.edu/), the VCU Center for Environmental Studies (http://ces.vcu.edu/) and the Rice Rivers Center (http://www.vcu.edu/rice/). Richmond is located on the James River in central Virginia, and is only a few hours drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia Beach and Washington, D.C. More information about Richmond can be found at: http://www.vcu.edu/about/richmond.html.