PhD Position: Boise State University
The Bittleston Lab (https://www.bittlestonlab.com/) is recruiting motivated students for Fall 2022 to study ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plant- and insect-associated microbial communities. Potential projects can be based in either the small ecosystems formed within pitchers of carnivorous pitcher plants, or the local sagebrush steppe ecosystem. The student will work as part of a collaborative team of researchers across different universities. The student will participate in fieldwork and lab work—including culturing of bacteria or fungi and molecular assays—as well as data analysis, writing, and presenting results.
Stipend and Benefits
The position starts Fall (August) 2022 and includes support in the form of a graduate teaching assistantship (renewable, 12-month), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance.
About the Programs and Boise
Our Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior and M.S. in Biology are innovative graduate programs at Boise State University. They bring together faculty from across multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and the human-environment systems group to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities. We have a strong quantitative course component and the position provides access to a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as international organizations, all dedicated to providing students with educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. To learn more about our Biology Graduate Programs, please visit: https://www.boisestate.edu/biology/graduate-programs/.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise is the capital of the State of Idaho and is frequently featured as a top-ranked metropolis. The city has lots of opportunities for world-class outdoor activities year-round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture.
Applicants should email Dr. Leonora Bittleston ([email protected]) before December 1st to indicate your interest in this position before officially applying. The email should include your CV and why you are interested in this research area in particular. Please specify if you are interested in a Ph.D. or a M.S. degree. Top candidates will be asked to formally apply. All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.
Applications and required application materials must be submitted to the University by January 15th, 2020. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV, the names and contact information for three references. Applicants will also submit official university transcripts. More information about these requirements and the application process may be found at: https://www.boisestate.edu/eeb/prospective-students/ and https://www.boisestate.edu/biology/graduate-programs/ms-biology/.
Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. In addition, the Bittleston Lab is dedicated to increasing ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic diversity in STEM fields, because diverse perspectives lead to a stronger and more innovative society.
Students from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups who have participated in LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation) programs in their undergraduate institutions are encouraged to co-apply for the Boise State Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship. This fellowship includes an excellent funding package with a $32,000 stipend annually for the first 2 years, a tuition and fee supplement, community building among fellows, individual faculty mentors provided to fellows, enriched academic and research opportunities, and participation in annual PNW LSAMP Alliance Conference and Graduate Showcase. More details can be found here: https://www.boisestate.edu/stem/lsamp/bridge-to-doctorate-fellowship/.
Qualifications
Seeking a self-motivated, independent, and creative thinker who is passionate about ecology and plant-associated microbes. The minimum qualification is a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology or a related field.
Preferred qualifications include: evidence of strong writing (e.g., grant proposals, publications) and quantitative skills (e.g., bioinformatics, coding, modeling); experience with microbial culturing and/or molecular assays; excellent communication skills; and an interest in understanding mechanisms of community assembly or plant-microbial interactions. Applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are especially encouraged to apply. Please address these points in your introductory email.
