Interested in joining the lab?

The Sweet Lab at Arkansas State University is recruiting a PhD student to work on an NSF-funded project that seeks to understand the evolution of fragmented mitochondrial genomes in parasitic lice. The student will use molecular and bioinformatic approaches to address hypotheses related to genomic evolution, mito-nuclear coevolution, and phylogenetics. The student will also be part of a collaborative team that includes researchers from Arkansas State, the University of Illinois, and Purdue University. Funding is available in the form of a Research Assistantship for two years and Teaching Assistantships for the remaining time through the Ph.D. program in Molecular Biosciences (https://www.astate.edu/college/sciences-and-mathematics/doctoral-programs/molecular-biosciences/).

 

Qualifications: Applicants should have a B.S. degree in biology, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, or a related field. Competitive applicants will also have experience with a programming language (Python, Perl, R, etc.), bioinformatics (phylogenetics, molecular evolution, etc.), and/or basic molecular lab skills (DNA extractions, PCR, etc.). An M.S. in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or a related field is preferred but not required. GRE scores are preferred, but not absolutely required for admission into the graduate program.

 

Application: To apply, please send the following materials to Dr. Drew Sweet (asweet@astate.edu) with the subject line “PhD application”: 1) a one-page cover letter detailing your interest in the position, 2) CV, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) contact information for three professional references.

 

Deadline: July 1, 2025

 

Please send any questions about the position to asweet@astate.edu.