The Miller and Rudgers research groups in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University are recruiting applicants for a PhD position to study the population dynamics of host-symbiont interactions. We are initiating a project that combines general mathematical theory, data-driven demographic models, and field experiments to examine the influence of host life history strategies on the stability and infection frequency of vertically transmitted symbionts. Our empirical work focuses on multiple species of grasses and their vertically transmitted fungal endophytes as a model system. The PhD student will be expected to develop an independent research program that is synergistic with our ongoing work. Students interested in combining field experiments (in Texas and potentially beyond) and mathematical models are particularly encouraged to apply. The student will be based jointly in the Miller and Rudgers laboratories (http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~tm9/; http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~jrudgers/). For more information about the position, contact Tom ([email protected]) or Jenn ([email protected]). For information about the Rice EEB department and graduate program, see http://eeb.rice.edu/. Completed applications should be received by January 10 to ensure full consideration. There is no application fee for US citizens and permanent residents.
