The Department of Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is recruiting doctoral students for Fall 2026! All PhD students are guaranteed a full five years of funding, including salary, tuition, and healthcare. Our department spans a wide range of cutting-edge topics and techniques in biological research, with four major research areas: ecology and evolution, genomics, microbiology, and cellular, molecular and developmental biology. Our PhD program focuses on training students to apply sophisticated quantitative techniques to solve research problems in these areas, giving our graduates a competitive advantage for careers in industry, government, or academia. Applicants can either apply to single labs (direct entry), or apply to enter the rotation program, which gives students the opportunity to conduct research in three labs before deciding which to join. Applications are due on December 1, 2025. Applicants should contact faculty and identify potential advisors before applying - you can begin by consulting the list of recruiting labs below! Recruiting professors include: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology JC Buckner: The IDER lab integrates genetics, morphometrics and paleontological data to understand biodiversity dynamics and adaptation in terrestrial tetrapods. Potential graduate students would contribute to our waterfowl research on consequences of introgression for population viability and the genetic basis of convergent phenotypes. Please visit our website, iderlab.org, to learn more. Luke Frishkoff: The Frishkoff Lab seeks to understand the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity from local communities to large geographic regions as well as how human impacts are recasting these ecological and evolutionary patterns. We conduct community ecology field research on reptiles and amphibians in Texas, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Alison Ravenscraft: Our ultimate goal is to understand how the bacterial symbionts of insects impact ecosystem-level processes such as plant consumption and pollination. We study both the pairwise bug-Caballeronia symbiosis, and the entire gut microbiome of herbivorous insects (beetles, grasshoppers and caterpillars). We ask whether, when, and how environmentally acquired gut microbiota influence these insects' responses to stressors such as extreme climates, pesticides, and natural plant defenses. Matt Walsh: The Walsh lab evaluates the ecological drivers of evolutionary change in killifish on the island of Trinidad and waterfleas in lakes in Alaska. Genomics Todd Castoe: Population genomics of speciation to link theory with empirical data; Population genomics of schistomiasis transmission and the impact of control measures on natural selection. Genome-wide association studies to link traits with selection in the context of speciation and hybridization. Jeff Demuth: The Demuth Lab studies the evolution of sex chromosomes and molecular genetics of behavior, primarily using beetles as a model system. Daniela Palmer: We are interested in understanding the genetic underpinnings of biodiversity, especially in sex-related traits. We study the evolution of sex chromosomes and other parts of the genome that contribute to sex-specific adaptation. Our research focuses on a group of insects known as treehoppers that show fascinating diversity in morphology, behavior, and beyond. Alicia Rogers: The Rogers Lab seeks to understand how small RNA-mediated gene regulation maintains robust execution of cellular and physiological processes during normal and stress conditions. We aim to establish a comprehensive map of the regulatory logic embedded within small RNA pathways that coordinates pathway homeostasis and robust gene expression. Microbiology Qing Tang: Bacterial physiology, pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and host interactions of human pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. We use both cell-culture and mouse models. (Also see Alison Ravenscraft) Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Loic Fort: The Fort Lab investigates how human stem cells decide their fate on their journey to becoming cardiac cells. We are especially interested in understanding how physical forces influence these decisions. By combining 2D and 3D stem cell models with advanced imaging and molecular tools such as CRISPR, we aim to uncover the fundamental rules of human development and how these processes are disrupted in patients with congenital heart disease. Anita Quintana: The Quintana lab seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms by which genetic (pathogenic) variants cause birth defects. We have a specific focus on birth defects that disrupt brain and craniofacial development. Our laboratory uses zebrafish as a model system to study development. Zebrafish are an amazing developmental model because they are fertilized outside of their mother allowing for the visualization of development in real time. (Also see Alicia Rogers) To apply, and for more information see: https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/science/departments/biology/graduate-programs/phd-program About UTA: UT Arlington is an R1-ranked research university, the second largest institution in the University of Texas system and one of the 10 fastest growing universities in the nation. We are a Hispanic-serving institution and rank #5 in the nation for ethnic diversity. The Biology Department (http://www.uta.edu/biology) offers access to numerous resources including state-of-the-art labs, an Animal Care Facility, a Genomics Core Facility, the North Texas Genomics Center, the world-class Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center, and the Shimadzu Institute for Research Technologies. These offer extensive and cutting-edge resources for high-throughput sequencing, imaging, proteomics, analytical chemistry, and more. About Arlington: Arlington is situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, affording access to numerous restaurants and entertainment opportunities (museums, zoos, aquariums, theatre, music, sports, microbreweries). The city of Arlington alone has 82 public parks, including River Legacy Parks, a 1,300-acre oasis on the Trinity River in the heart of north Arlington. Arlington is the home of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Texas Rangers Ballpark, and Six Flags Over Texas. More information on the city of Arlington can be found at (www.experiencearlington.org). Qualifications Fundamental requirements include: - Applicants must have completed their bachelor's degree in biology or a related field by summer 2025. - Strong work ethic and independence - Strong communication and teamwork skills - Excellent English writing and speaking ability. 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