A M.S. position is available under the supervision of Dr. Christine W. Miller at the University of Florida. The position is funded by the National Science Foundation for two years and will begin in June of 2010.
The focus of the larger NSF-funded project is the influence of natural environmental variation on the expression and evolution of ornaments, weapons, and behaviors of sexual selection. The M.S. thesis work will include one or two summertime field seasons in New Mexico and some year- round field work in Florida. The student will also conduct extensive greenhouse breeding of the insects in Florida for behavioral and morphological study. The focal research organism is a cactus bug, Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae). Males in this species compete over territories on the fruit of prickly-pear cactus and have enlarged hind legs used in these competitions. Applicants should possess a B.A. or B.S. in Biology or a closely related field and have a strong background in evolutionary biology and behavior. Selection will be based largely on interest and enthusiasm for the research topic, academic achievements, reference letters, and previous research experience. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter outlining your interests and research background, a curriculum vitae (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for three professional references (name, email, phone, address) as either a PDF or MS Word file to [email protected] with “Sexual selection M.S. position” in the subject line. Informal inquiries are welcome. More information on research in the laboratory of Dr. Christine W. Miller and the Entomology and Nematology Department at UF are available at www.millerlab.net. Review of applications will begin September 15, 2009 and will continue until September 25th , or until an outstanding candidate is found.
