The Anderson Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of South Dakota is recruiting a PhD student starting in either Fall 2022 (preferably) or, possibly, Spring 2023.

I have recently received funding to study aspects of the comparative biomechanics and thermal effects on feeding in chameleons! This project will incorporate a combination of laboratory and field studies, with annual travel to South Africa and Namibia over the course of the project. This research will use temperature manipulations in conjunction with high-speed videography, electromyography, in vitro muscle contractile physiology, and subsequent anatomical dissection to address comparative (evolutionary), ecological and mechanistic questions relating to temperature effects on movements powered by elastic recoil and muscle contraction directly.

The Ph.D. student selected for this project will be funded on this grant for its duration. Any subsequent years needed to complete degree requirements will be funded on departmental Teaching Assistantships or Fellowships. Additional positions on this grant (graduate & postdoctoral) will be advertised at a later date.

Interested students should contact Dr. Anderson directly at Christopher.V.Anders@usd.edu with a description of their research interests and a current CV, along with any questions.

Review of applications for this position will begin January 31, 2022, but position will remain open until filled.

Additional information on the Anderson Lab: http://www.chamaeleonidae.com

Additional information on the Department’s Graduate Biology Programs: http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/graduate