Graduate Assistantship in Freshwater Biodiversity School of Natural Resources and Environment University of Michigan
A Ph.D. opportunity is available for a student to join the Cardinale lab at the University of Michigan to work on a newly funded National Science Foundation DIMENSIONS of Biodiversity grant that examines how the evolution of genetic diversity among species of algae influences the productivity of lake ecosystems. The overarching goal of this project is to determine whether evolutionary and genetic divergence among species can accurately predict which species extinctions will have the greatest impacts on the productivity of whole ecosystems. The project will identify the genetic bases of niche differences among species that coexist throughout North America, determine if these genetic differences are evolutionarily conserved, and assess whether the genes that influence coexistence also control the productivity of entire lake algal communities. The work includes field and laboratory experiments, as well as natural surveys. Collaborators include Dr.’s Todd Oakley – a phylogeneticist at the University of California-Santa Barbara, and Chuck Delwiche – a genomics expert at the University of Maryland. The successful applicant will be involved in all aspects of the proposed experiments, and will also be expected to develop their own independent dissertation to compliment the broader goals of the project. A background in ecology, evolution, environmental science, limnology, or a related field is required. A background working with freshwater organisms is preferred, but not required. The Cardinale lab is the most recent addition to the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan (http://www.snre.umich.edu/cardinale). UM was recently ranked 15th on the Times Higher Education’s list of the world’s top 200 universities, and has a top-ranked graduate program in the environmental sciences. Ann Arbor is also routinely ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. (see Money’s list of America’s Best Small Cities) due to its affordability, natural beauty, preservation of wooded areas, vibrant arts program, and lively downtown landscape. The assistantship offers a competitive stipend plus tuition and benefits. Applications should be submitted through the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School by January 5th, 2011 (http://www.rackham.umich.edu/admissions/apply_now/apply_annarbor/) Pre-inquiries can be directed to … Dr. Bradley J. Cardinale Email: [email protected] The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.
