Spring 2027 Start
Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno

The Riddle Lab is recruiting a Ph.D. student through the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) Graduate Program at the University of Nevada, Reno to participate in a funded NSF CAREER project investigating the genetic basis of host–microbiome interactions during evolution.

Our research uses the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, a powerful evolutionary model system consisting of surface-dwelling and cave-adapted populations that have evolved dramatic differences in behavior, physiology, metabolism, and gastrointestinal biology. The successful applicant will investigate how host genetic variation shapes microbiome composition and how microbiome evolution contributes to adaptation in extreme environments.

Research Opportunities

Projects may include:

• Microbiome profiling (16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics)
• Host transcriptomics and gene expression analysis
• Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping
• Evolutionary genomics and population genetics
• CRISPR-based functional genetics
• Germ-free and microbiome manipulation experiments
• Bioinformatics

Students will receive interdisciplinary training at the interface of evolutionary biology, genetics, microbiology, and genomics.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A B.S. or M.S. in biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Strong interest in evolutionary biology and host–microbe interactions
• Experience in molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, aquatic husbandry, or computational biology is desirable but not required
• Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborative research

Funding

The position is supported by an NSF CAREER award and includes a graduate stipend, tuition support, health insurance, and funding for conference travel.

About Reno

Reno offers exceptional access to outdoor recreation, including the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and climbing, while maintaining a relatively low cost of living compared to many western U.S. university towns.

Application Information

Prospective students should contact Dr. Misty Riddle (mistyriddle@unr.edu) directly and include:

• CV
• Unofficial transcripts
• Brief statement of research interests

Information of the EECB PhD program can be found at https://www.unr.edu/eecb

Information on the Riddle lab can be found at riddlelab.org