PhD Opportunity: Algal Ecology and Biofuels School of Natural Resources and Environment University of Michigan
I am looking for one or more PhD students to begin work on a new NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation grant that examines how algal biodiversity influences the efficiency and sustainability of algal biofuel production. The goal of this project is to develop multi-species photosynthetic systems that express the complementary genes, metabolic pathways, and biological traits needed to increase the efficiency, yield, and stability of biofuel yields relative to current monoculture systems. The project includes field and laboratory experiments, as well as life-cycle analyses to assess the ecological footprint and commercial viability of multi-species biorefineries. Collaborators include Dr.'s Phil Savage – a chemical engineer at the University of Michigan, Nina Lin - a microfluidics expert at the University of Michigan, and Todd Oakley – a phylogeneticist at the University of California-Santa Barbara, PhD candidates will develop dissertation topics that complement the broader goals of this project, exploring topics at the intersection of algal ecology, ecological genomics, and biocrude synthesis in single and multi-species communities. A background in ecology, and prior experience with freshwater ecosystems, are desirable, but not necessary. The School of Natural Resources and Environment (http://snre.umich.edu/cardinale/) guarantees 5-full years of financial support to all PhD students in its graduate program to cover costs of tuition, fees, health care, and a living stipend. The University of Michigan is routinely ranked among the top American research institutions, and Ann Arbor is routinely ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to its affordability, natural beauty, preservation of wooded areas, vibrant arts program, and lively downtown landscape. Interested candidates should email (1) a cover letter describing research experience and interests, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) transcripts, (4) recent GRE or TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and (5) the names and contact information of three references to … Dr. Bradley J. Cardinale Email: [email protected] After pre-screening, the most promising candidates will be encouraged to apply for the PhD program. Applications to SNRE are then due on January 5th, 2014. The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.
