Ph.D. Opportunity in Species Interactions Althoff lab, Dept of Biology, Syracuse University
We are seeking exceptional students interested in studying the evolutionary ecology of species interactions. The lab focuses on studies of coevolution, specialization, and speciation, and we use a combination of diverse tools including field studies, molecular phylogenetics, and population genetics. Although we primarily examine plant-insect and parasitoid-host coevolution, students interested in other taxonomic groups are strongly encouraged to apply. There are currently two funded projects, one on the role of mutualism and antagonism in yucca and yucca moth speciation and another using a synthetic yeast mutualism to study the ecology and evolution of multi-mutualist species communities. Research is question-driven rather than taxon-driven. Please visit the lab webpage at althofflab.syr.edu for more information. Funding is guaranteed via teaching assistantships for 5 years and potentially research assistantships. Syracuse University offers excellent benefits, a full tuition waiver, and a generous stipend (~$25K for 2016). Furthermore, the close proximity of S.U. to the SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry campus and Cornell makes this a strong and vibrant community that facilitates an exciting graduate experience. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. David Althoff (dmalt...@syr.edu).
