Tropical forests are storehouses of biodiversity. Identifying the ecological and evolutionary drivers of these diversity patterns continues to be of interest to ecologists and evolutionary biologists. In Asian tropics, new species of invertebrates and vertebrates continue to be discovered. Our lab aims at 1) systematic documentation of tropical forest diversity in an integrative taxonomic approach, 2) identifying the underlying geological, evolutionary and ecological processes that govern the diversity patterns using the historical biogeography and a comparative phylogenetic framework and 3) identify the processes that govern the assembly of species in these forests. More details on the past and ongoing research are here.
Currently, we are on the lookout for enthusiastic and motivated students to do PhD research with us. We have two PhD fellowships for five years. The positions start in August 2020, ongoing COVID-19 situation permitting, or at a suitable later date.
How to apply?
To apply, please send a single consolidated file to jahnavi@csirccmb.org with your (1) cover letter, (2) statement of purpose, (3) Curriculum Vitae (including publication list if any), (4) contact details for two referees, and optionally (5) one sample publication if available. For further enquiries about these positions, please write to jahnavi@csirccmb.org. The deadline for application is 20th June, and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online. Selection will be based on the merit of the submitted application and performance at the interview.
Who can apply?
Candidates with Master’s degree in Life Sciences / Wildlife Biology / Environmental Sciences / Zoology / Botany/ Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Mathematics / Physics / Engineering / Psychology OR four-year Bachelor’s degree in Science/Engineering OR Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS equivalent) are eligible to apply. Any prior research experience in the field of ecology and evolution, will be desirable but not essential.
The fellowship will be as per CSIR regulations.
About CCMB
The CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) is a premier research organization in frontier areas of modern biology. Our PhD program covers a broad range of topics in basic biology including ecology and evolution. The excellent faculty and vibrant student community at CCMB aims to meet the highest global standards for research in biological systems. CCMB offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, including high throughput "omics" (genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics) and bioinformatics facilities, and is also supportive of hard-core field biology. The institute encourages students to attend national and international conferences to showcase their work, network with other researchers and scientists in the field and widen career opportunities. More details of CCMB’s PhD program can be found here.
Ours is a new lab looking for enthusiastic and motivated master's students, graduate students, and postdocs.
I encourage potential postdocs to apply for independent funding, and I am happy to help brainstorm ideas for collaborative proposals. If you are interested, please email me, and we can discuss funding opportunities.
For graduate students, interested in applying to the PhD programme at CSIR-CCMB? Information on the application process is available here.
If you are a master's student looking to get research experience in the lab, please email me, and we can meet to discuss possible opportunities.