Opportunities

The Simler-Williamson lab conducts research in the Department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University.

In Fall 2024, we are recruiting for 1-2 graduate level positions, described below. I am also always interested in chatting with prospective students whose interests might align with other aspects of our research, beyond the advertisements below.

MS or PhD position in plant-microbe interactions, plant population ecology, and global change at Boise State University

Dr. Allison Simler-Williamson in the Department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University is seeking an enthusiastic MS or Ph.D. student to conduct NSF-funded research focusing on how climate change may alter plant-microbe interactions in declining plant populations.

The prospective graduate student will explore the role that soil fungi and bacteria play in shaping local adaptation in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) populations, including how populations from contrasting abiotic environments may differ in susceptibility to disruption of plant-microbe interactions with climate change. This work will involve a combination of fieldwork in sagebrush steppe ecosystems, laboratory and greenhouse experiments, and modeling. The project involves opportunities to cultivate diverse skills in plant population ecology, bioinformatics, microbiology and plant pathology, soil science, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling. The Simler-Williamson lab broadly studies the impacts of changing host-microbe interactions on plant population persistence, including work focused on climate, disturbance, and emerging plant diseases; the prospective student would have additional opportunities to collaborate in these research systems.

This project is supported by the NSF Broadening Research Capacity in Biology program, and the Simler-Williamson lab is committed to supporting mentees in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Graduate students will receive additional mentorship from project collaborators (Drs. Leonora Bittleston, Trevor Caughlin, and Marie-Anne de Graaff), and they will serve as a graduate mentor for a team of undergraduate researchers involved in this project. Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity, including (but not limited to) people of any gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and neurotype. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • A B.S. or B.A. degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, soil science, plant biology, or a related field.

  • Experience with (or a strong interest in cultivating skills in) statistical analysis, programming, and bioinformatics.

  • Experience with (or a strong interest in cultivating skills in) microbial ecology or plant disease ecology.

  • Past experience coordinating or completing field research in challenging conditions.

  • An ability to work independently, as well as part of a diverse collaborative team, including an interest in undergraduate mentorship.

  • Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

Graduate students will be admitted through the Boise State University Masters in Biology program or the PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program, to begin in August 2024. Additional information about the programs can be found at: https://www.boisestate.edu/biology/graduate-programs/ms-biology or https://www.boisestate.edu/eeb/. The project includes a minimum of 2 years of NSF-funded support, with additional funding provided through a combination of research assistantship and teaching assistantship. The position includes coverage of tuition and health insurance, with a minimum salary of $28,000/year.

Please contact Dr. Allison Simler-Williamson (allisonsimlerwil@boisestate.edu) by November 29th with the following documents, to indicate your interest in this position before officially applying:

  • a 1-page cover letter summarizing how the described research aligns with your interests and what you are hoping to gain from a masters degree or PhD; 

  • a CV or resume;

  • Contact details for 2-3 professional references.

Please use the email subject, “Grad position in plant-microbe interactions.” Letters of interest will be reviewed by Dr. Simler-Williamson on a rolling basis through November 29th. Following this review, top candidates will be asked to formally apply to graduate programs (deadlines: January 15, 2024). All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

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Other Graduate Opportunities:

If your research interests lie outside our current study areas but you are interested in training in Simler-Williamson lab, I am also very happy to work with prospective students or postdocs interested in developing fellowship applications (e.g. NSF GRFP, NSF PRFB, USDA NIFA) focused on other topics, especially in plant ecology, disease ecology, or disturbance ecology.

Undergraduate Opportunities:

If you are an undergraduate interested in working in the lab, please send me an email (allisonsimlerwil@boisestate.edu) with your background, research interests, and what you are hoping to gain from working in a lab environment. We are always looking for enthusiastic new undergraduate researchers!