3 Ph.D. positions available

We have two major projects starting at the University of Nevada, Reno
with 3 Ph.D. positions available.  Please pass this announcement on to
potential candidates.  Thank you!

PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Neotoma evolutionary genetics
and ecological adaptation.

A Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship is available to study ecological
adaptation and hybridization between two species of woodrats (genus
Neotoma) in California. The goal of the project is to identify how
diet-based ecological adaptations may influence aspects of pre- and
post-zygotic isolation. The student will play a large role in the design
and implementation of field and laboratory-based studies that include
analysis of gene expression and microbiome changes in pure and hybrid
genotypic classes as they are exposed to chemically-distinct, field-based
diets. The student will also participate in a high school outreach program
focused on teaching genetics, ecology and evolution. Candidates should
be creative and highly motivated with strong writing and communication
skills. Candidates must have a B.S. (and preferably an M.S.) in biology
or a closely related discipline. Candidates must have field experience
(preferably with small mammals), ability to work under rigorous field
conditions and lead field crews under their supervision, some genetics
laboratory experience and interest in science education.

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships (2). Pygmy rabbit ecology,
demography, and landscape connectivity.

Two Ph.D. research assistantships are available at the University of
Nevada-Reno on a project focused on building a quantitative understanding
of the ecology, demography and population connectivity of the pygmy rabbit
(Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada. The pygmy rabbit is a sagebrush
specialist that is broadly (but non-continuously) distributed across
the Great Basin. Like other habitat specialists, the pygmy rabbit is
expected to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Further,
because of the predicted loss and degradation of sagebrush ecosystems
over the coming decades, it is critically important to identify key areas
that may serve as refugia or movement corridors for pygmy rabbit and other
sagebrush obligates while large, relatively intact sagebrush tracts remain
available for study. The goal of this project is to quantify population
dynamics and dispersal/colonization capabilities of the pygmy rabbit
in Nevada to develop a more complete view of the habitat and landscape
characteristics that sustain local and regionally connected populations.
Although both students will be expected to collaborate extensively, we
expect that one Ph.D. student will focus primarily on landscape genetics
(advised by Dr. Marjorie Matocq), while the other student will focus on
demography and population modeling (advised by Dr. Kevin Shoemaker). Field
research for both students will include trapping and marking pygmy rabbits
and collecting tissue samples at numerous sites in Nevada. Laboratory work
for the landscape genetics student will include generating genetic/genomic
datasets to quantify reproductive success and relatedness within
populations and genetic connectivity among populations. "Laboratory" work
for the population ecology student will include estimating vital rates
such as fecundity and survival from capture-mark-recapture data, using a
geographic information system to identify suitable habitat patches and
modeling functional connectivity, and constructing spatially explicit,
individual-based population models. Applicants should be hard-working,
self-motivated field biologists prepared to work under rigorous field
conditions and able to lead field crews under their supervision. Both
candidates should have field experience with small mammals, basic
literacy in data management and statistical analysis, and strong writing
and communication skills. The genetics student should have genetics
laboratory experience, and the population ecology student should have
proficiency in the use of geographic information systems and competence
with computer programming is highly desirable. Driver=A2s licenses are
necessary for both positions. Applicants must have a B.S. (and preferably
an M.S.) in biology or a closely related field.

To apply for one of the above positions, please submit the following
as a single PDF email attachment: a letter stating your qualifications
and career goals, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information
for three references (not letters).  Review of applications will begin
November 20, 2015 and will continue until the positions are filled.
Send application to Dr. Marjorie Matocq, Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno,
Reno, Nevada 89557 (775-784-4621; mmatocq@cabnr.unr.edu). See the
following websites for further information about the Program in Ecology,
Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://www.unr.edu/eecb) and our lab
(http://naes.unr.edu/matocq/).

Marjorie Matocq, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, Nevada 89557
775-784-4621
http://naes.unr.edu/matocq/

"Matocq, Marjorie"