Graduate position: PhD/MS Positions at the University of Arkansas studying
eco-evo-devo and phenotypic plasticity

The Levis lab at the University of Arkansas is seeking graduate students
for the Fall of 2026. The lab's work broadly stems from the central
premise that phenotypes are not wrought by genes alone. The ultimate
source of phenotypic variation is developmental innovation, which depends
on genetic and environmental factors. Nowhere is this point more apparent
than by the widespread existence of a phenomenon known as phenotypic
plasticity, which is the ability of organisms to produce multiple
phenotypes in response to environmental variation. Our research strives to
understand how genes and environment influence phenotype production within
and between generations by investigating the developmental, ecological,
and evolutionary causes and consequences of phenotypic plasticity.

As a model for understanding plasticity evolution more generally,
the Levis lab uses species of spadefoot toad and shark-tooth nematode
that exhibit an extreme form of plasticity?resource polyphenism?that is
characterized by development of alternative morphs that utilize different
diets. Although we are broadly interested in plasticity, some of our
current foci include 1) Uncovering plasticity's molecular bases in a
complex natural system, 2) determining how constraints on plasticity
affect its evolution, and 3) clarifying how nongenetic inheritance
influences the evolution of plasticity. These topics are addressed using
a variety of approaches ranging from experimental evolution and microcosm
competition to functional genetics and transcriptomics.

Required Qualifications:

- B.S. in evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, zoology, or
  related field

- A strong work ethic, drive, and motivation to succeed

- Strong verbal and written communication skills

- Experience in field-based wildlife research

- Experience in basic laboratory techniques, good organizational skills,
  and attention to detail

- Ability to work independently and as a productive member of a
  research team

 Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience programming in R and using bioinformatics tools

- Background or interest in amphibian or nematode evolutionary genetics
  / genomics

- Experience with amphibian or nematode husbandry

- Experience in a wet lab environment, especially molecular/development
  biology techniques

Interested students should visit the lab website
(https://levisna.wixsite.com/nicholasalevis) and contact Dr. Nicholas
Levis (nlevis@uark.edu) with a:
(1) CV,
(2) description of research interests emphasizing alignment with the
    lab's focus, and
(3) any relevant transcripts and test scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL/IELTS).

Nicholas Levis, PhD
Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Biology
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Website: http://levisna.wixsite.com/nicholasalevis

nlevis@uark.edu

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