The Meek Lab is often looking for motivated PhD and MS students, postdoctoral scholars, research technicians, and undergraduate researchers. See any announcements below. Please check out the research page for descriptions of some of the major projects happening in the lab, and have a look at our publications to get an idea of the type of research we do. Additionally, check out our Lab values page. If these ideas and values interest you, please email me to start a conversation (mhmeek@msu.edu). I’m excited to hear from you.
I take graduate students through both the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program and the Department of Integrative Biology.
PhD opportunity in conservation biology and population genomics
The Meek Lab at Michigan State University is accepting applications from prospective PhD students. The Meek lab uses field studies combined with next-generation sequencing to address fundamental ecological questions that are directly relevant to the conservation and management of species. Work in our lab primarily focuses on studying the ecological and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain diversity within and among populations, understanding how local adaptation will interact with changing climates to influence population health and persistence, and identifying the molecular basis for life history trait diversity. Much of our work is done in aquatic systems and all our work is done in partnership with the relevant conservation practitioners to ensure applicability of our findings to species management. We are housed in the Department of Integrative Biology and are a part of the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program. Please see https://meeklab.com for more information about us.
*Qualifications*
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, evolution, fisheries, genetics, bioinformatics, or related fields. We look for strong communication skills and quantitative skills or an interest in learning them. The student will be expected to build an independent research program. Their program could expand upon a current project in the lab or develop a novel line of inquiry in related areas. We are a very interactive lab and are looking for an enthusiastic scientist, who cares about conservation, and is a good collaborator.
*Support*
Students in the lab receive a stipend, tuition, and research support. This support may come through a mix of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, departmental funding, and university fellowships. Students are also encouraged to seek external fellowships through the NSF, EPA, SeaGrant, and other sources. Start date could be May-August 2021.
*How to apply*
Prospective students interested in applying should explore the lab website (https://meeklab.com) and email mhmeek@msu.edu with the following:
0) “Prospective student” in subject line of email
1) Brief cover letter describing accomplishments, research interests, and career goals
2) CV
3) Unofficial transcripts
4) Sample of scientific writing (e.g., published paper, manuscript in preparation, MS or undergraduate thesis, research paper or essay from a class)
5) Names and email addresses for 3 references
Applicants who email by October 20th, 2020 will be given preference. This will allow time for us to discuss potential projects before applications are due to the graduate school on December 1st. I will schedule digital meetings with top candidates to discuss the opportunity and potential projects in more detail.
Michigan State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and actively encourages applications from women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities. The Meek Lab strives to be safe space for diversity in STEM. I encourage applications from students from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in academia. E-mail questions to Mariah Meek (mhmeek@msu.edu).
