Graduate Student Research Assistantships for 2008

At least one graduate student assistantship is available for students interested in one or more areas of evolutionary research on bees, including systematics/phylogenomics of corbiculate bees, genetic regulation and ecological determinants of Müllerian mimicry patterns in bees, and population genetics/phylogeography.

—  A student interested in phylogenomics and bioinformatics will have access to EST libraries under development for corbiculate bees (bumble bees, stingless bees, orchid bees and honey bees), which can be used both for assessing phylogeny of these taxa (noted for their differences in social evolution) and for discovering genomic patterns that could help elucidate behavioral differences among these distinct lineages.

—  Müllerian mimicry research would involve laboratory experiments and/or studies of bumble bees in the wild to understand some of the underlying regulatory mechanisms of color pattern and  selective forces that lead to convergent patterns among multiple species.

—  Given the threatened status of multiple species of bumble bee pollinators in both Europe and North America, it is essential to understand the population structure and gene flow patterns of different taxonomic groups of these bees. Research in this area would include both field and lab work to sample populations across the ranges of focal species, develop molecular markers (e.g., mtDNA and nuDNA fragments, microsatellites, SNPs) and apply or develop statistical approaches to delimiting populations and species, their relationships and ancestral origins. This research is complimentary to a larger effort in the lab to determine the current status and causes of decline in North American bumble bees.

Interested applicants have the opportunity to apply through the Department of Entomology or the Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (PEEC) at the University of Illinois. Admissions information can be found on the relevant links at www.life.uiuc.edu/entomology/admissions.html and www.life.uiuc.edu/peeb/index.htm.  Prospective candidates should have strong academic records and some research experience is preferred, either at the M. S. level or via undergraduate projects. The assistantship is suited to motivated, energetic students interested in scientific careers, who can work both independently and collaboratively, enjoy problem solving and are well organized. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.

Please send to Sydney Cameron (scameron@life.uiuc.edu) via electronic pdf attachment: 1) a statement of interest and 2) a CV including GPA and GRE scores, research experience and research interests, and the names and contact information for at least three referees familiar with your work.

Application deadline is 1 June 2008 or until suitable candidates are selected.

Sydney A. Cameron, Assoc. Prof., Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, 320 Morrill Hall, 505 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801

ofc ph. 217-333-2340, lab ph 217-333-2170

www.life.uiuc.edu/scameron