The Samuk Lab in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at UC Riverside is seeking doctoral graduate students at the doctoral level to work on a variety of research topics. We are a collaborative evolutionary genetics laboratory focused on understanding the origin and diversity of life using modern genomics, with a special focus on the role of recombination in the evolutionary process
We are currently recruiting for Sept 2023 program start dates, with the application deadline on January 5th 2023. Applicants to the EEOB program apply join a specific lab (in this case, the Samuk Lab),and need approval from the PI (Dr. Kieran Samuk) before formally applying to the program.
About the graduate program
Doctoral students will join the UC Riverside Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Graduate Program, and work with their faculty advisor to develop an individual thesis research project. These multi-part projects typically span 4-5 years and are usually closely aligned with the general research directions of the lab. Advancement through the program occurs via coursework (usually in the first year), and several examinations and checkpoints, ending with a thesis defense. All positions are fully funded (i.e. tuition costs and a stipend) through a combination of lab and departmental funding, fellowships, and teaching assistantships.
Primary ongoing research projects:
Ph.D. students in the lab can work variety of existing research themes, or work with Dr. Samuk to develop a new one entirely. I would be happy to discuss new projects in the general subject areas of adaptation, speciation, or evolutionary genomics more broadly. Some current ongoing projects in the lab include:
Field and experimental studies of the origin and evolution of chromosomal inversions in Drosophila spp. using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
Field and genomic studies of the evolution of recombination rate in natural populations of threepine sticklebacks.
Experimental evolution of recombination modifiers in Drosophila spp.
Computer simulations and theoretical studies aimed at understanding the evolution of recombination rate modifiers
Theoretical and experimental studies of the utility of recombination modifiers in agricultural breeding
General responsibilities for graduate students:
Completing coursework and program requirements
Developing research thesis project ideas by reading the primary literature
Carrying out research, which may include performing experiments and laboratory protocols, fieldwork, animal care, and statistical analyses
Writing and publishing research papers
Presenting research at conferences and seminars
Attending and participating in weekly lab meetings
Assisting in mentoring undergraduate students
During your time in the lab you will have the opportunity to:
Be trained in how to perform scientific research
Gain experience working at the intersection of genetics and evolution
Learn a wide variety of skills, including molecular genetics, statistics, and bioinformatics
Get experience working with the Drosophila and/or stickleback model systems
Work as part of a supportive and collaborative team
Develop your grant writing and mentorship skills
Explore career options (lab is friendly to non-academic trajectories!)
Requirements for admission
Required: Admissions to the EEOB Graduate Program requires a B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology or a related discipline. Majors in other scientific fields are acceptable if basic preparation in biology, chemistry (organic and inorganic), physics, and mathematics are deemed adequate.
Approval from a potential PI
A GRE test result is not a requirement for application or admission to the program.
The following would be beneficial to an application, but are not required:
o Experience working in a laboratory environment
o Experience with computer programming
o Experience working in the field, or in remote conditions
o A US driver’s license valid in the state of California
Compensation & Benefits
PhD Students receive an individualized compensation package that includes tuition, a stipend, and a student healthcare plan. These items are funded via a combination of department, lab, and institutional funds, including fellowships and teaching assistantships. All UCR graduate student workers are members of the UC Student-Workers Union UAW 2865.
How to apply:
Send an updated resume/CV, a cover email, and contact information for three references to ksamuk@ucr.edu
In your email, briefly outline why you are interested in joining this lab, your background including relevant research experience, your general career goals, and some specifics about the projects you are interested in working on.
Full program requirements are available here: https://eeob.ucr.edu/graduate-program/apply