Research will focus on the integrative mechanisms that underlie host-pathogen-microbiome interactions in vertebrates. The student will conduct field work and laboratory experiments in tropical and/or temperate systems to understand how environmental change and biotic forces impact disease risk in wildlife. Research involves fungal and bacterial culturing, molecular and bioinformatic analyses of host skin microbiota, laboratory experiments, data management and analysis, manuscript preparation and submission, and animal care.

 

Applicants should have a background in many of the following: evolutionary ecology, bioinformatics, molecular techniques, statistics, GIS, and field work. Applicants should be highly motivated and prepared to conduct independent field and laboratory research.

 

To apply, please submit the following documents to cgbecker1@ua.edu:

1. a cover letter describing your research interests and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work in the Becker lab,

2. your undergraduate transcript (an unofficial copy is fine),

3. GRE scores,

4. a sample of your scientific writing (e.g., manuscript, lab report), and

5. contact information for 3 references.

 

The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive 12 month stipend and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistantship through the Department of Biological Sciences and Research Assistantships through ongoing NSF-funded grants. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year. Funding for summer field work expenses and conference attendance are available.