MS Graduate Assistantship in Daphnia Evolutionary Ecology at East Tennessee State University East Tennessee State University in United States

An MS graduate assistantship is available in the lab of Professor Lev Yampolsky at the Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, USA. The successful candidate will work on evolutionary ecology projects involving Daphnia, specifically focusing on extending Daphnia lifespan through interventions mimicking caloric restriction and studying the evolution of salinity and desiccation tolerance. The department offers a vibrant research environment with faculty interests spanning plant biochemistry, protein folding, synthetic biology, chemical ecology, forest ecology, genomics, circadian rhythms, and evolutionary genetics.

East Tennessee State University is a rapidly developing regional institution with ambitions to become an R1 research university. The university is located in Johnson City, Tennessee, offering a beautiful setting in North-East Tennessee. The graduate assistantship typically provides a stipend and tuition waiver, supporting students as they pursue their MS degree in biology or related fields.

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related discipline. Prior research experience in evolutionary ecology, laboratory work, or Daphnia biology is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic record, motivation for graduate study, and proficiency in English. Additional requirements such as GRE scores may apply according to university policies.

Interested candidates should contact Professor Lev Yampolsky at [email protected] for further information. Detailed program descriptions and application instructions are available on the ETSU graduate school website. The position is set to begin in August 2026, and applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well in advance of the deadline.