PhD Assistanceship - Utah State Universtiy

I am seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual for a graduate student position
(Ph.D. level) in my lab at Utah State University, located in Logan Utah.

The anticipated start date is May or August 2010, but this is flexible.

Research will focus on physiological and behavioral adaptations of reptiles to changing
environmental landscapes, in particular anthropogenic changes. There is clear evidence
that anthropogenic disturbance results in physiological alterations in various species. For
example, one potential compensatory mechanism is the vertebrate stress response. When
evoking a stress response, animals enter an alternate physiological state or "emergency
state" that allows the individual to better cope with physiological challenge. However,
there are adverse consequences tied to stress, especially when prolonged. I am interested
in how organisms regulate and maintain key life-history processes in the face of a
changing environment (e.g., stress response), and especially in response to anthropogenic
disturbances - such as introduction of pathogens, degradation of habitat, altered resource
availability, and climate change. Moreover, understanding the underlying mechanisms may
provide insight into the evolution of such life-history processes.
This research involves ongoing field work to examine naturally occurring trade-offs, but
also addresses specific mechanistic and regulatory questions via controlled laboratory
experiments.

Applicants should have an interest in multidisciplinary training in endocrinology,
immunology, behavior, ecology and evolution. Review of applicants will begin immediately
and continue until the successful applicant is identified.

The start date will coincide with the start of an academic session (May or August 2010).

If you are interested, please send me (sfrench@biology.usu.edu) (1) a copy of your CV
(which should include a short description of past laboratory/research experience and a
brief statement of your career goals; contact information for references is also desirable)
and (2) a copy of your undergraduate transcript (an unofficial electronic copy is okay).

For further information about graduate studies at USU, including information regarding
the official application process and financial support, please see

http://www.biology.usu.edu/

Dr. Susannah S. French
Principal Investigator
Department of Biology
Utah State University
5305 Old Main Hill
Logan, Utah 84322-5305
sfrench@biology.usu.edu

Utah State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and we strongly
encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups.