PhD opps in Entomology, Molecular Ecology and Systematics (Canada)

Graduate Student Opportunities in Entomology, Molecular Ecology and
Systematics in lab of Felix Sperling, University of Alberta

Applications from highly qualified potential graduate students are
invited to join my lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the
University of Alberta (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/). I am looking
for students to work with me on one or more potential projects including:

(1) Mountain Pine Beetle System Population Genomics:  many opportunities
are available to study the interactions between beetles, trees and
fungi using population genomics as part of the multi-investigator
TRIA project ( http://www.thetriaproject.ca/ ). Two positions are
available in my lab to use NGS methods for landscape genomics, linkage
mapping, or genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of dispersal
and flight polymorphism, in collaboration with Dr. Maya Evenden:
http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/faculty/maya_evenden/  and Dr. David
Coltman:  http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/faculty/david_coltman/

(2) Lepidoptera molecular systematics and population genetics:  projects
are available to explore species delimitation in species complexes, such
as spruce budworm moths or local butterflies, or the phylogenomics of
swallowtail butterflies. Broader options may exist for highly motivated
students with a strong prior background in insect systematics, including
morphology.

Potential graduate student applicants must have an Honour's degree
or higher (e.g. MSc) relevant to biology, training and experience
in molecular techniques (esp. PCR, DNA sequencing, SNP typing),
bioinformatics (next-gen sequencing, genome assembly, etc.),
phylogenetics, population genetics and/or quantitative genetics. Field
experience and a background in entomology would be an asset. Applicants
should have a high GPA (3.5+ or minimum A-), be highly competent
in quantitative analyses, and possess excellent written and oral
communication skills in English. International overseas students
must have a peer-review publication record in English relevant to
evolution and systematics. Fully funded MSc (2.3 years) or PhD (5
years) positions are potentially available to qualified applicants
who meet the criteria for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (see
http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/programs/graduate/).

Application process: Applicants must first send a cover letter outlining
their relevant background and research interests, their CV, and the names
of 2-3 potential references to felix.sperling@ualberta.ca. Interviews
and formal invitation to apply to the graduate program in Biological
Sciences may then follow for those who meet the criteria.

For Graduate Program Information see:
http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/programs/graduate/



Felix Sperling,   Professor     felix.sperling@ualberta.ca

Department of Biological Sciences and Strickland Museum of Entomology
cw405a Biological Sciences Centre, University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta  T6G 2E9  Canada

http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/faculty/felix_sperling/