Two graduate assistantships at the Ph.D. level are available in the Berges and Sandgren Labs in Biological Sciences at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (http://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/biologicalsciences/), beginning January 2012.
Current research focuses on understanding cell death in phytoplankton (i.e. mortality not directly due to predators or sinking, but involving intrinsic processes) in the laboratory and the field, its causes, mechanisms and prevalence. It is envisioned that thesis projects will be developed around the central hypotheses that cell death is driven by environmental stresses (e.g. variations in light, nutrients, and temperature), and that the incidence of cell death differs among different phytoplankton species. Approaches that can be supported include: determining the environmental factors that correlate with dead cells in particular groups of phytoplankton in the field (using field experiments assessing cell death with cell-staining and flow cytometry and working across a variety of ecosystem ranging from local ponds, to the Northern Wisconsin Lakes Long Term Ecological Research site, to Lake Michigan), determining the susceptibility to, and mechanisms of cell death in different phytoplankton species in culture (using experimental manipulations, and assessing markers of different forms of cell death using flow cytometry), and incorporating environmentally-triggered cell death mechanisms into individual-based models of phytoplankton dynamics (parameterized based on laboratory data, and tested against observed dynamics in lake systems, in collaboration with colleagues at Northeastern University). Ideal applicants would hold a MS degree in an aquatic science, ecology, or a related field and possess strong quantitative skills, but those with a BS degree and strong research experience in a relevant area are also encouraged. The graduate assistantships cover stipends, tuition and health benefits. Current funding includes support for international conference attendance. Many opportunities are available for involvement in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. For more information and application details, please email Dr. John Berges ([email protected]). Information on the laboratory and research interests are available here: http://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/biologicalsciences/facultystaff/berges/index.cfm. Screening of applications will begin on October 31st, 2011.
