PhD Positions in Conservation Genetics
Two graduate student opportunities (one Ph.D. and one M.S.) are available through the Department of Biology and Marine Biology (https://uncw.edu/bio/ ) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC; starting date is August 2022. The successful applicants will be working in the labs of Dr. Brian Arbogast (https://uncw.edu/bio/faculty_arbogast.html) and Dr. Stephanie Kamel (https://uncw.edu/bio/faculty_kamel.html) to use mtDNA and microsatellite data to investigate the comparative phylogeography and population genetics of a variety of small mammal species found in the fragmented, high-elevation, spruce-fir sky-island ecosystem of the Appalachian mountains of the eastern U.S. Specifically, the students would conduct field work in the mountains of western North Carolina, and collect and analyze population genetic data on small mammals to address questions related to the conservation and management of the study species and the spruce-fir, sky-island ecosystem of the southern Appalachians in general.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a degree in biology or closely related field and a strong academic record and high potential for research success. A GPA of at least 3.5 is preferred. The successful candidate should demonstrate an interest in wildlife conservation and molecular genetics. The students will need to be able to conduct physically challenging field work on small mammals in the mountains of western North Carolina, perform careful research in a molecular genetics laboratory, and exhibit an aptitude for analysis of genetic data. Previous experience working in a molecular laboratory is preferred (especially for prospective Ph.D. students), but exceptional applicants without experience will be considered.
Financial support packages will be provided through teaching and research assistantships and will be renewable annually contingent upon satisfactory performance. Interested students are encouraged to e-mail Dr. Brian Arbogast ([email protected]). Please include a short description of your academic background, research interests, relevant field work and laboratory experience, your CV, and the names and contact information for two references who have knowledge of your academic and/or research background and potential, attached as a single PDF to your email. Screening of applicants will begin immediately. For full consideration, this information must be received by February 1, 2022. Additional information on the graduate program at UNC Wilmington may be found at: https://uncw.edu/bio/graduate.html (General Information) https://uncw.edu/bio/grad-phd.html (Ph.D. Program in Integrative, Comparative, & Marine Biology) https://uncw.edu/bio/grad-ms.html (M.S. Program in Biology)
Contact Person Dr. Brian Arbogast
Contact eMail [email protected]
