PhD and MSc Positions in Evolutionary Ecology: The Goldar Lab at Illinois State University is offering fully funded PhD and/or MSc positions in Evolutionary Ecology starting in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026. The research explores how chemical ecology, environmental gradients, and climate change influence plant-insect interactions, guided by Plant Defense Theory and modern ecological frameworks.
📌 Designation:
PhD or MSc Student (Graduate Research Assistant)
🧪 Research Area:
Evolutionary Ecology, with focus on:
- Plant-insect interactions
- Chemical ecology
- Global change biology
- Population genetics and genomics
- Pollination and herbivory studies
📍 Location:
Goldar Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
🎓 Eligibility / Qualification:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology or related field
- Strong interest in evolutionary ecology
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Prior experience with plants and/or insects, chemical ecology, population genetics, genomics, or statistics is an advantage
📝 Job Description:
Selected candidates will conduct greenhouse, laboratory, and/or field experiments to study:
- Organ-specific plant defense mechanisms
- Effects of climate change and environmental stressors on ecological interactions
- Performance dynamics of plants and insects under varying environmental gradients
Students will be part of a supportive, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research community. The lab and department offer access to advanced molecular tools, greenhouses, field sites, and growth chambers.
Funding is available through Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships.
📨 How to Apply:
Email your application as a single PDF file to Prof. Xosé Lopez Goldar at xlopezg@ilstu.edu. The PDF should include:
- Brief description of research interests, experience, and career goals
- CV or résumé
- Writing sample (e.g., thesis, manuscript, or publication)
- Names and email addresses of up to 3 references
⏳ Last Date to Apply:
June 30, 2025
