PhD student opportunity in Stress/Radiation Biology at New Mexico State University

We are offering a research assistantship for doctoral studies in Molecular Biology or Biology at New Mexico State University (NMSU, http://bio.nmsu.edu/) in Las Cruces, NM, starting January, 2016 or until the position is filled. Approximately half the project is cellular-based field work at the U.S. Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) outside Carlsbad, NM and the laboratory/bioinformatics work is based at NMSU. This DOE-funded project involves documenting the effects of below-background levels of radiation on prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The position involves the analysis of the genes and proteins involved in the cellular response to unnaturally low levels of radiation obtained from growing cells in a shielded environment more than 2000 feet below the surface at the WIPP. We are particularly interested RNA-Seq analyses, exploring the transcriptome differences between radiation-sufficient and radiation-deprived treatments. The position is contingent on renewed grant funding.
Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in microbiology or cell biology or a related field. Experience in radiation biology is desirable, but minimally, the candidate must be willing to work with low levels of radiation after appropriate training is provided.