smithlabbanner

Opportunities

Information for Prospective Graduate Students


I will be accepting a doctoral student during this coming year. Doctoral students in my lab are encouraged to develop their own research ideas for their dissertation, which may or may not be directly related to my research. However, given my background and expertise, I will look favorably on students interested in community and ecosystem ecology and intending to focus on grasslands or salt marsh ecosystems as their study system.
If you would like to apply:


  1. Contact me by email: melinda.smith@yale.edu and include a description of your interests and background, a CV, and an example of your writing.
  2. Check out the departments's web page for information on the doctoral program and application procedures and deadlines. If you have additional questions about the program, you can contact Dr. Paul Turner (Phone: 203-432-3837, email: paul.turner@yale.edu.


Job Opportunities


Postdoctoral Researcher — Climate Change and Ecological Genetics


I am seeking a post-doctoral scientist to join my research group to study the impacts of climate change on genetic diversity of two dominant C4 grasses in the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. This is a year-long position with possibility of renewal. The project will include developing of a high-throughput genotyping platform for Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem) and Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass) and assessing the impacts of warming and altered precipitation regimes on genetic diversity of the two grasses in the field and in complementary greenhouse studies. For this position, I seek candidates with a Ph.D. in ecology or the biological sciences with interest in ecological genetics and climate change. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in genotyping approaches (e.g., AFLPs, EST-SSR, etc.) and greenhouse studes. Successful candidates must be able to design and carry out experiments independently, have excellent written and oral communication skills, and be able to work in a collaborative research environment. Review of applications will begin November 1 and will continue until the position is filled. Start date for the position is expected December1, 2009. Applicants should send a cover letter detailing their qualifications, a complete CV, several reprints, and the contact information for three referees. Applicants are encouraged to send their complete application package by email: melinda.smith@yale.edu. Applications can also be sent by mail to: Dr. Melinda D. Smith, Yale University, Department of EEB, PO Box 208106, New Haven, CT 06520.