I am looking to recruit a graduate student for Fall 2019 to work on topics related to behavioral ecology and evolution.
Research in my lab primarily focuses on sexual selection in insects, examining the evolutionary interplay of behavior and morphology. We have found that the leaf-footed bugs, Family Coreidae, are excellent experimental subjects for our investigations. These insects wrestle with their hind legs over territories and have an amazing diversity of hind leg shapes. Ongoing projects in the lab include studies of trade-offs between weapons and testes; the effect of nutrition and social environments on weapon structure, testes size, and male fighting behavior; the factors influencing mate choice; and the role of phenotypic plasticity in the processes of invasion. The successful applicant for this position will conduct at least one experimental lab-based project at the University of Florida. Additional projects are flexible and can include international field work at a location such as the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. Prospective students are encouraged to email Christine W. Miller at [email protected] by November 8th (later inquiries might also be considered). Include in your email a statement including 1) the kinds of research questions that you would like to pursue, 2) how these fit in with current lab research, 3) a brief overview of your previous academic and research experiences, 4) CV or resume, 5) GRE scores (if you have them), 6) an unofficial transcript, and 7) whether you are seeking a M.S. or Ph.D. at this time. For more information on this position and the research group, please visit www.millerlab.net. Accepted students will be provided a tuition waiver and a competitive stipend. Information about Gainesville, Florida: Situated in the rolling countryside of north central Florida, Gainesville, is close to world-class fishing, snorkeling, canoeing, tubing and kayaking. On land, those so inclined may enjoy birding, hiking, biking, fishing and pretty much everything else under the sun. Home of the University of Florida, seat of Alachua County's government and the region's commercial hub, Gainesville is progressive, environmentally conscious and culturally diverse. The presence of many students and faculty from abroad among its 99,000-plus population adds a strong cross-cultural flavor to its historic small-town Southern roots. Its natural environment, temperate climate and civic amenities make Gainesville a beautiful, pleasant, and interesting place in which to learn and to live. Christine W. Miller Associate Professor | Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, USA email: [email protected] phone: (352) 273-3917 web: www.MillerLab.net facebook: @bugweapons
