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PhD Student
MS/PhD in phenotypic plasticity and eco-evo-devo Full-time NEW
The Levis lab at the University of Arkansas is seeking MS/PhD students to study phenotypic plasticity and eco-evo-devo.
The lab’s work broadly stems from the central premise that phenotypes are not wrought by genes alone. The ultimate source of phenotypic variation is developmental innovation, which depends on genetic and environmental factors. Nowhere is this point more apparent than by the widespread existence of a phenomenon known as phenotypic plasticity, which is the ability of organisms to produce multiple phenotypes in response to environmental variation. Our research strives to understand how genes and environment influence phenotype production within and between generations by investigating the developmental, ecological, and evolutionary causes and consequences of phenotypic plasticity.
As a model for understanding plasticity evolution more generally, the Levis lab uses species of spadefoot toad and shark-tooth nematode that exhibit an extreme form of plasticity (resource polyphenism) that is characterized by development of alternative morphs that utilize different diets. Although we are broadly interested in plasticity, some of our current foci include
1) Uncovering plasticity’s molecular bases in a complex natural system,
2) determining how constraints on plasticity affect its evolution, and
3) clarifying how nongenetic inheritance influences the evolution of plasticity.
These topics are addressed using a variety of approaches ranging from experimental evolution and microcosm competition to functional genetics and transcriptomics.
Required Qualifications:
– B.S. in evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, zoology, or related field
– A strong work ethic, drive, and motivation to succeed
– Strong verbal and written communication skills
– Experience in basic laboratory techniques, good organizational skills, and attention to detail
– Ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team
Preferred Qualifications (not required, but a plus):
– Experience programming in R and using bioinformatics tools
– Background or interest in amphibian or nematode evolutionary genetics/genomics
– Experience with amphibian or nematode husbandry
– Experience in a wet lab environment, especially molecular/development biology techniques
Interested students should visit the lab website (https://levisna.wixsite.com/nicholasalevis) and contact Dr. Nicholas Levis ([Please click the Apply button for the link or address]) with a:
(1) CV,
(2) description of research interests emphasizing alignment with the lab’s focus, and
(3) any relevant transcripts and test scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL/IELTS).
Application Information:
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Program:
https://biology.uark.edu/academics/graduate/graduate-application.php
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program:
https://cell.uark.edu/info-for-applicants/index.php
- Graduate School Admissions:
https://catalog.uark.edu/graduatecatalog/admissions/
- Doctoral Fellowships at UA:
https://graduate-students.uark.edu/cost-and-funding/
About the University & Region:
The University of Arkansas (R1, land-grant, founded in 1871) is located in
Fayetteville, a safe, welcoming community with a low cost of living and
consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. Surrounded
by Fortune 500 companies, a vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural
beauty, Fayetteville offers both strong professional opportunities and
Nicholas Levis, PhD
Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701