Nicholas Levis

Two PhD openings are available in the Levis Lab at the University of Arkansas for students interested in eco-evo-devo , evolutionary biology , developmental biology , physiology , ecology , animal behavior , and genetics . The lab is recruiting two PhD students to begin in Spring or Fall 2027 . Students will develop independent dissertation projects in one of two research directions: (1) eco-evo-devo of spadefoot toad physiology, focusing on how developmental mechanisms, diet, competition, and ecological conditions shape alternative trophic phenotypes; or (2) sexual selection and polyphenism in shark-tooth nematodes (Pristionchus), examining how mating competition and environmentally responsive development interact with reproductive fitness. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree and a strong interest in evolutionary biology, developmental biology, physiology, animal behavior, genetics, or ecology. Prior experience with the organisms is not required. Experience with data analysis in R is a plus. The post notes that GRE scores are required for fellowship applications to the Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship (DDF) and Doctoral Academy Fellowship (DAF). Funding is typically provided through teaching assistantships in the Biological Sciences Department. Eligible students may also apply for the DDF and DAF, which add substantial support to the base salary. The application deadline for the main PhD opportunity is 2027-01-31 , and fellowship nomination deadlines are also listed for January 2027 and August 2027 starts. To apply, email a CV, a brief statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts, and relevant test scores to [email protected] with the appropriate subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. More information is available on the lab website and the University of Arkansas biology graduate program pages.