University of Wisconsin-Madison- ARTHROPOD EVO-DEVO

Post date: Dec 5, 2015 11:27:12 PM

PH.D. POSITION IN ARTHROPOD EVO-DEVO

The newly established Sharma Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

is seeking a doctoral student for Fall semester of 2016, who is

interested in the evolution of developmental mechanisms and the biology

of arthropods. The position will be based in UW-Madison's Department

of Zoology.

Arthropods have featured prominently in the evo-devo literature, owing to

their short generation times, tractability in laboratory environments,

and modular segmental architecture. The rapid dissemination of genomic

technologies and resources has also contracted the gap between model

organisms and emerging systems for study of evolution. Targets of

ongoing/planned projects include the evolution of arthropod appendage

patterning and the evolution of respiratory organs in arachnids.

Candidates should be self-motivated, intellectually curious, focused,

determined, and able to function as part of a team. Independent research

questions are highly encouraged. Training of graduate students will vary

depending on the scope of their project, but will invariably incorporate

(a) workshops in analysis of next-generation sequence data classes, and

(b) workshops in programming. Techniques implemented in the lab will

include sequencing and analysis of developmental transcriptomes; gene

expression; microinjection; RNAinterference; CRISPR/Cas9; and imaging

on various systems.

Successful candidates should anticipate training with at least three

non-model organisms. General imaging and microinjection equipment will

be available in the Sharma Lab, with additional imaging facilities in the

building (http://www.botany.wisc.edu/nic/) or nearby on campus. The Sharma

Lab includes space in a dedicated animal care facility, which houses

six (three arachnid, one myriapod, two pancrustacean) species. Initial

training and mentoring will be intensive and hands-on, and taper off

as trained students take charge of their research projects. Regular

attendance at scientific conferences will be supported.

While considerations will be made for international students, strong

proficiency in written English is expected of graduate students.

Departmental guidelines, resources, and application information are

available at http://zoology.wisc.edu/grad/Prospective.html. Information

about the research projects of the Sharma Lab is available at

http://www.sharmalabuw.org. The deadline for the current cycle is 1

December 2015.

Interested applicants should email Prashant P. Sharma at their earliest

convenience (psharma37@wisc.edu) with a statement of interest, a

curriculum vitae, contact information for 2-3 professional references,

and availability for interview by telephone or Skype.

#bio, #genomics, #arthropods