PhD position to apply landscape genomics to amphibian species of concern.
PhD Under-Represented Domestic Minority (URDM) mentoring Graduate Assistantship available to work with Dr. Melanie Murphy in Department of Ecosystem Science and Management/Program in Ecology at University of Wyoming. Graduate student research will address distribution and connectivity of amphibian species in the context of species rarity. Q1 – Is niche breadth explained by rarity? Student will use environmental DNA (eDNA) and species distribution models to estimate niche breath. Q2 - What are the consequences of species’ rarity on connectivity? Student will use genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and a landscape genomics approach to test competing hypotheses of limits to effective dispersal for species by rarity form. Prospective students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population genetics are encouraged to apply. Evidence of robust analytical skills, ability to work independently under harsh field conditions, strong work ethic, scientific writing, passion for scientific inquiry, and aptitude for collaborative research are expected. Additional skills in population genetics laboratory skills, particularly using low quality/low quantity DNA, will be preferred but not required. Work will require hiking, backpacking, camping, working in harsh field conditions at high elevation and driving a 4WD vehicle. To apply, please send a statement of interest, complete CV, unofficial transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, and contact information for three professional references as a single PDF file (LastName_URDM.pdf) to melanie.mur...@uwyo.edu. Application deadline is March 20, 2017, although review of applicants will begin immediately. Position starts in August 2017. Candidate(s) may be invited for an on-site visit. In addition, applicants are encouraged to investigate the Program in Ecology (www.uwyo.edu/pie), an integrated, interdepartmental PhD program in ecological science. Area: University of Wyoming (www.uwyo.edu) is ideally located in Laramie, Wyoming with easy access to varied field sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the campus is only 1 hour from Fort Collins and ~2 hours from an international airport (Denver, CO). The University of Wyoming Under-Represented Domestic Minority mentoring Graduate Assistantships (URDM) are intended to increase access and opportunities to graduate education for U.S. students from under-represented/ under-served communities and to increase student diversity in our graduate degree programs on a competitive basis. The URDM awards are funded through a partnership of the Office of Academic Affairs and the faculty mentor(s) of the prospective student. The University of Wyoming is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law and University policy. Please see www.uwyo.edu/diversity/fairness
