Graduate Positions in Synthetic Ecology and the Evolution of Symbiosis Graduate assistantships are available to support Masters or PhD students in Erik Hom’s laboratory at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). The Hom lab is generally interested in understanding how biotic and abiotic factors facilitate the formation, persistence, and evolution of species interactions, notably those that are symbiotic. We are particularly fond of studying the interactions between fungi and algae and use a predominantly synthetic approach to address our questions (see Science 345:94-98). Our lab is seeking bright, highly motivated students with an appetite for learning to join us in pursuing research projects of mutual interest in areas that include (but are not limited to): experimental evolution, synthetic ecology, EcoEvoDevo, eukaryotic metagenomics, bioinformatics, and the ecology of microbial consortia. Stipend support will be a combination of research and teaching assistantships, and includes tuition waivers and health benefits.
The University of Mississippi is in an exciting phase of institutional growth and is located in Oxford, a vibrant and idyllic college town in northern Mississippi, about 75 mi south of Memphis, TN. If you are into football, William Faulkner, local music, and/or fine food, Oxford is a fun town! Requirements for graduate admissions can be found here: http://goo.gl/t1CfcR. The desired start date for these positions is August 2015 (although January 2015 may be possible). Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Those with a strong interest in STEM education and outreach within an underserved region are also encouraged to apply. For consideration and/or more information, please contact Dr. Hom ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>, +1-662-915-1731, http://darwinsdaemon.com). To apply, please send a single PDF file that includes: 1) a cover letter explaining your specific research interest(s) and qualifications/research experience, 2) your curriculum vitae, 3) a scientific writing sample, 4) school transcript(s), 5) GRE scores (note: quantitative and verbal scores should each be >150), and 6) contact information for at least 3 references.
