Fwd: Graduate position: LouisianaStateU.HostMicrobiomeSymbiosis

[Ellen Hostert]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <evo...@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca>
Date: Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Subject: Graduate position: LouisianaStateU.HostMicrobiomeSymbiosis
To: <ehos...@maine.edu>

The Tan Lab at LSU is Recruiting a PhD Student in the Ecology and
Evolution of Host-Microbiome Symbiosis

Application Deadline: January 3

The Tan Lab at Louisiana State University (LSU) is recruiting a fully
funded PhD student to begin in Fall 2026. Our research addresses the
ecology and evolution of host-microbiome symbiosis, with a focus on
uncovering the mechanisms that shape microbiome assembly, community
stability, and their impacts for host traits and performance. Based on
community ecology, coevolution, and symbiosis theory, this work aims to
understand how interactions among diverse microbes ultimately influence
the success, stability, and function of their hosts.

We use duckweedas a model system for connecting ecological and
evolutionary principles to real-world applications. Duckweed’s
simplicity, tractability, and rapid growth enable mechanistic experiments
that bridge molecular, community, and ecosystem scales. Its relevance
to bioenergy and bioremediation creates a natural path from fundamental
discovery to applied innovation. A central goal of our research is to
advance microbiome-based strategies that enhance duckweed productivity and
support sustainable environmental solutions.

Students in the lab have the flexibility to pursue diverse approaches
within this conceptual framework. Projects may incorporate field-based
studies of natural microbiome variation,laboratory experiments
with synthetic communities,molecular and sequencing-based tools,
and/or quantitative and computational analysis. The lab embraces
integrative perspectives and supports students in developing creative,
rigorous, and independent lines of inquiry.

The position is supported through the LSU Biological Sciences Graduate
Program.

Informal inquiries can be directed to Jiaqi Tan
(jt...@lsu.edu). Prospective students are encouraged to email a CV and
a personal/research statement describing relevant research experiences
and interests.  The official application to the LSU Biological Sciences
PhD program is due January 3.

Additional information about the lab can be found
at: https://www.tanlabecology.com/


Jiaqi Tan <jt...@lsu.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