Fwd: Graduate position: BrighamYoungU.EvolutionaryGenomicsInsects

[Ellen Hostert]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <evo...@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca>
Date: Tue, Dec 5, 2023 at 2:48 AM
Subject: Graduate position: BrighamYoungU.EvolutionaryGenomicsInsects
To: <ehos...@maine.edu>

BYU.Evol.Genomics.Insects



Graduate positions: rapid genome evolution, biodiversity genomics,
insect phylogeography

Application deadline: Jan 15, 2024

The Sproul Lab at Brigham Young University is recruiting prospective
PhD/MS students to begin Fall 2024. Positions for two fully funded
graduate students are available. Research in the Sproul Lab centers
on themes of insect biodiversity, repetitive DNA, rapid genome
evolution, and the interface of the three. Training opportunities
in the lab span organismal biology, collections-based research,
high-elevation field biology, molecular benchwork, computational
biology, and bioinformatics.Additional information on the Sproul
Lab is available here: https://biology.byu.edu/sproul-lab

Three available graduate projects include (see lab website link
above for additional details):

Mechanisms of rapid genome evolution in high-elevation ground
beetles. This project will investigate molecular mechanisms and
evolutionary consequences of rapid genome evolution in beetles for
which repeats account for wholesale turnover of 40% of genomic
sequences between closely related species. Potential training
opportunities include long-read (i.e., PacBio HiFi) genome sequencing
and assembly, RNA sequencing, fluorescencein-situhybridization,
computational biology, and bioinformatics.

Repetitive DNA dynamics across insects. This project will investigate
how repetitive DNA dynamics shape genome evolution across broad
evolutionary scales and better extend repetitive DNA genomics to
the biodiversity community. Potential training opportunities include
repetitive DNA genomics, genome sequencing and assembly, computational
biology, and bioinformatic tool development.

Species delimitation and phylogeography in montane insects. We have
ongoing interest in new species discovery and phylogeography projects
in high elevation ground beetles (Carabidae) as well as stoneflies
(Plecoptera). This research takes us to beautiful alpine and
sub-alpine habitats across western North America. Potential training
opportunities in organismal biology, taxonomy, phylogenomics/population
genomics, species delimitation methods, field biology.

Interested applicants should please email a current CV, a brief
statement that describes your interest in the Sproul Lab, and any
questions to: john_...@byu.edu. Prospective applicants with
interests and experience that overlaps and/or complements Sproul
Lab research will be invited to meet via Zoom to further discuss
their interest and potential fit in the lab. Many (but not all)
projects in the lab include major computational components. Both
students with prior computational/coding experience, and students
strongly motivated to learn new computational skills are encouraged
to reach out.

BYU's beautiful campus sits on the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains
in Provo, Utah (USA). The Biology Department has broad expertise
in evolution, ecology, bioinformatics, and biology education as
well as excellent facilities to support graduate research. The
biology graduate program comprises a vibrant community of students
from all over the world working on diverse topics. PhD students in
the department are guaranteed stipends via teaching or research
assistant positions for each semester enrolled, and a full tuition
scholarship for all semesters enrolled for up to 5 years. Master’s
students receive guaranteed funding support fall and winter semester
for two years.

For more information about the BYU Biology graduate program:
https://gradstudies.byu.edu/departments/biology

For general information about applying to the graduate school at
BYU: https://gradstudies.byu.edu

John S. Sproul, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biology
Brigham Young University
701 E University Parkway Drive
Department of Biology
4102 LSB
Provo, UT 84602

Phone: (801) 422-0363

Email: john_...@byu.edu



John Sproul <john_...@byu.edu>

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Important!  I check email once a day, and often not at all on weekends.  I will respond to your message.  Thank you for your patience.

Ellen E. Hostert, Ph.D. (she/her)
Professor of Biology
University of Maine at Machias
116 O'Brien Avenue
Machias, ME 04654
(207) 255-1301
ehos...@maine.edu