PhD positions in Evolutionary and Conservation Genomics

Rice University ??? Hennelly Lab

The Hennelly lab at Rice University is recruiting PhD students to join
in the Fall 2026.

Our lab studies the evolutionary processes that shape genetic and
phenotypic variation in animals, mainly in mammals. We integrate
population genomic data, museum and ancient DNA, fieldwork,
and phenotypic data to investigate the evolutionary histories of
species, how anthropogenic change alters evolutionary trajectories
of species, and the molecular basis of complex and adaptive traits
(https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/lauren-hennelly).

Projects in the lab include investigating the consequences of
hybridization, genomics of speciation, the consequences of domestication
on reproductive biology in various domesticated species, and applying
genomic tools to conservation of endangered species. Our work hasbeen
mainly onwild and domestic canids, but are interested in other mammalian
systems.

The PhD students (up to two being recruited) will have an opportunity to
develop their own projects within the realm of the PIs research areas. We
have active projects on several large mammals (like grey wolves) with
partners in India, Pakistan, and other countries, as well as developing
projects on local wildlife in Texas and surrounding regions.

Preferred qualifications:

BSc or MSc in biology, evolutionary biology, computational biology,
conservation biology or related field

Experience or strong interest to learn computational methods and
population genomic analysis

Interest in broad questions in evolutionary biology related to speciation,
phylogeography, domestication, adaptation, consequences of hybridization
in mammalian systems

Collaborative, team player, independent, and highly motivated

Funding and Program:

The PhD positions are fully supported (salary, health care, tuition
waiver) for five years primarily through the PIs own funding with
a salary of $36,000 per year. You would be a PhD student within the
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology graduate program within the Department
of BioSciences. Rice University is classified as a R1, private research
university with an urban campus set in the vibrant and diverse city of
Houston, Texas.

Before applying to the EEB program, potential students are encouraged to
contact Dr. Lauren Hennelly at lh106@rice.edu. In this email, please
include (1) a brief statement describing your research interests,
relevant research experience, and motivation for joining the lab and
(2) a CV with referee information. The application deadline for the EEB
program at Rice University is December 31st, 2025.

Lauren Hennelly
Assistant Professor
Department of BioSciences
Rice University

Houston, Texas
lh106@rice.edu
https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/lauren-hennelly

Lauren Hennelly <lh106@rice.edu>

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