Graduate student PhD positions will again be available beginning August 2024 to work on the evolution of hypoxia resistance in waterfowl at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, with Dr. Kevin McCracken and a team of collaborating investigators.
We will be seeking one or more PhD students with interests in integrated physiology and genetics to collaborate on comparative studies of Andean waterfowl and/or species experiencing intermittent hypoxia such as during diving underwater (incl., North American diving ducks). Studies are not limited to but might include respiratory and cardiovascular physiology, biochemistry of enzymes and metabolic pathways, and tissue and mitochondrial function. Students with strong computational skills and interests in population genomics and/or gene expression are especially encouraged to contact us.
Travel to remote field sites and to collaborating labs will be required. Experience and/or interest in contributing to museums collections and genetic resources is desirable. Spanish speaking/writing skills are highly desirable for students working in the Andes. Students from western South American countries are especially encouraged to apply. Foreign applicants will be sponsored by the university for the F1 student visa, but applicants should be eligible for visa-free travel to Andean community countries or arrange for the equivalent valid entry documents.
Typical duration of funding for a PhD student at the University of Miami is at least five years with stipends of approximately $28,000/year, including a full tuition waiver and health benefits with substantial increases expected for cost of living to come each year. Both university fellowships and departmental teaching assistantships are available.
Applications to the PhD program at UM are due 1 December 2023 for fall 2024 admission (https://biology.as.miami.edu/graduate/index.html).
Individuals who want to apply should first send a statement including background and research interests and curriculum vitae to:
Dr. Kevin McCracken
Kushlan Chair in Waterbird Biology & Conservation
Department of Biology
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL 33146, U.S.A.
www.duckdna.org