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Positions

Evo-Devo PhD position at Clark University
Grad Positions
Posted Apr 15
A PhD position is available in the laboratory of Néva Meyer at Clark University in Worcester, MA USA beginning late August 2020 as follows:
 
The successful applicant will develop a project focused on molecular control of neural specification in the annelid Capitella teleta, but this can be expanded to include other spiralians/lophotrochozoans and different avenues of research depending on the applicant’s interests and goals. Possible avenues of research include analysis of fate specification via blastomere isolation, genetic manipulation, and transcriptomic profiling. There will be multiple opportunities for career development, including mentoring, participating as a guest lecturer in courses taught by the PI, and attending workshops such as the Embryology course at the Marine Biological Laboratories.
 
Spiralians are a great group of animals to study evolution of body plans in part because many spiralian taxa develop via a stereotypic and likely ancestral cleavage program. Ultimately, this cleavage program results in formation of highly diverse body plans. Research in Dr. Meyer’s lab is currently focused on understanding how centralized nervous systems evolved. The research community that studies evolution and development of spiralians is rapidly growing and is very welcoming and collaborative.
 
The successful applicant will enter Clark University's Biology PhD program with an anticipated start date in late August. Previous experience in molecular biology and working with marine larvae and/or bioinformatics is desirable. Additionally, the Meyer lab is interested in creative, engaged applicants who can contribute to diversity of the academic community, for example via outreach to students from historically underrepresented communities. The successful applicant will be guaranteed funding for five years through a combination of research assistantships and teaching assistantships.
 
Please email a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and qualifications and a CV to [email protected].
 
Néva P. Meyer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Clark University
Department of Biology
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610