PhD Positions in Marine Sciences: The Bik Lab at the University of Georgia is seeking three Ph.D. students for admission in Fall 2024. These positions come with a minimum of three years of guaranteed funding through various National Science Foundation grants, including an NSF CAREER award. The lab, led by Dr. Holly Bik, is part of the Department of Marine Sciences and the Institute of Bioinformatics at the University of Georgia.
Designation: PhD Students
Research Area:
- Antarctic marine nematode taxonomy and phylogenomics
- Advancing eDNA metabarcoding surveys of marine ecosystems
- Functional characterization of nematode-associated microbiomes
Location: University of Georgia, Department of Marine Sciences and Institute of Bioinformatics
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Antarctic Marine Nematode Project:
- Master’s degree in Nematology or equivalent experience in marine nematode microscopy identification.
- Strong skills in nematode taxonomy, especially in an Antarctic context.
- eDNA Metabarcoding Surveys Project:
- Research interests in environmental metabarcoding, molecular ecology, and bioinformatic data analysis.
- Experience in pelagic and benthic sampling, autonomous underwater platforms, and ship-based fieldwork.
- Nematode-Associated Microbiomes Project:
- Research interests in microbial metagenomics, bioinformatic analysis, and classical microbiology.
- Familiarity with nematode-associated bacterial symbionts and their ecological roles.
Job Description:
- Engage in cutting-edge research in one of the specified projects.
- Utilize integrated morphological and molecular techniques, DNA barcoding, and -Omics sequencing.
- Participate in fieldwork, including ship-based expeditions along the MA and CA coasts.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to the development of autonomous underwater platforms.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should email their current CV and a brief statement of research interests to hbik@uga.edu. Prospective Ph.D. applicants with suitable skills and interests will be invited to a Zoom call for detailed project discussions with Dr. Holly Bik.
Last Date for Apply: 31 December 2023
