Join the Koop Lab at Northern Illinois University: Recruiting PhD Graduate Students for Spring 2024 to Study Parasite Evolution

Introduction:

The Koop Lab at Northern Illinois University is offering an exciting opportunity for PhD graduate students interested in studying parasite evolution. With a focus on understanding the ecological and evolutionary drivers of species invasions, this research opportunity delves into the captivating world of invasive species and their interactions with parasites. The lab is currently seeking two Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistants for the Spring 2024 semester.

Research Focus: Unveiling the Mysteries of Parasite Evolution

The Koop Lab is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of species invasions and their impact on ecosystems. Specifically, students will have the unique opportunity to study the invasive freshwater faucet snail (Bithynia tentaculata) and its role in the Great Lakes region and Upper Mississippi River. The snail acts as a host to various species of parasitic trematodes, which can infect waterfowl, often leading to high mortality rates.

Projects and Research Opportunities:

1. Invasion History Assessment: Investigating the historical context of both the snail and trematode species' invasions.

2. Local Adaptation and Virulence: Understanding the role of local adaptation in determining virulence across a large geographic landscape.

3. Sublethal Effects on Waterfowl: Examining the sublethal effects of trematode infections on waterfowl, with a specific focus on the Lesser Scaup species.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Field-Based Research, Lab Experiments, and Population Genomics

To address these captivating research questions, the Koop Lab adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining field-based ecological research, lab experiments, and population genomics. This multifaceted approach allows students to explore diverse ecological and evolutionary aspects, including epidemiology, behavior, genetics, and species interactions.

Qualifications and Application Details:

The Koop Lab encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. While a Master's degree in biology, wildlife, ecology, evolution, or environmental sciences is preferred, it is not mandatory. Applicants with experience in invertebrate biology, field biology, population genetics/genomics, and analytical software such as R are particularly encouraged to apply.

Ideal candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. The expected start date for successful applicants is the Spring semester of 2024 (January 15, 2024).

To apply, interested candidates should reach out to Dr. Jennifer Koop (jkoop@niu.edu) with an initial inquiry, including a CV and a brief description of their research experience and interests. Please note that applications to the program are due by November 1, 2023, but should only be submitted after an initial inquiry has been made.

Join the Koop Lab: Contact and Further Information

For those interested in joining the Koop Lab and learning more about the exciting research opportunities it offers, please contact Dr. Jennifer Koop at jkoop@niu.edu. If you are an undergraduate seeking to join the lab, kindly provide a brief statement of your research interests as they relate to the lab, your current GPA, and your undergraduate major. Potential graduate students should submit a CV, including a list of relevant coursework, a writing sample, and a brief statement of their research interests.

To discover more about the graduate programs available at Northern Illinois University, please visit their website.

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Don't miss out on this incredible chance to contribute to the field of parasite evolution and become part of the Koop Lab's innovative research team!

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