Physiology and ecology of salamanders and lizards Graduate opportunity in the Gifford lab at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Research in the Gifford lab at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is focused on how ectotherms (salamanders and lizards) deal with variation in environmental conditions (temperature) and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of these strategies. The lab is recruiting Masters students to start in the Fall of 2012. Opportunities are available to undertake studies on the ecology and physiology of salamanders and lizards. Research topics are flexible; however, it is expected that the work will involve a physiological component. Many potential field sites are available in fairly close proximity to UALR (maximum ~3 hr drive) and include some of the most beautiful natural areas in the state (Buffalo National River), and a variety of biological field stations (e.g., Ouachita Mountains Biological Field Station OMBS). The student(s) will be supported by teaching assistantships (TA) through the Department of Biology, which includes a full tuition waiver. Animal care facilities are available in the Department of Biology, and the Gifford lab is well equipped for physiological studies on a variety of ectotherms (environmental chambers, respirometry system, high-speed video, small animal racetrack and treadmill, and calorimeter). Preferred qualifications include some record of prior research experience, interest in physiology, ecology, or evolution, and a herpetological interest. Minimum admission requirements to the Masters program at UALR include a B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale), upper level coursework in four of the following six areas (cell/molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, organismal biology), two lecture courses in physics, four lecture courses in chemistry (organic and inorganic), and a minimum combined score of 950 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE General test. Program application deadline is April 15 for Fall semester entry; however, earlier submission of applications is encouraged. Please send initial inquiries via email to megiff...@ualr.edu. Please include contact information for two references; a brief statement of your research experience, goals, and why our lab would be a good fit; and a CV. Feel free to check out general lab information at the Gifford Lab website (http://web.me.com/gifford/Gifford_Lab/Home.html).
