The Van Cleve Research Group (http://vancleve.theoretical.bio) in the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky is currently recruiting Ph.D. students to join the lab in Fall 2027. The lab is generally interested in quantitative and mathematical approaches to evolutionary biology and ecology. Past and current research areas include social evolution and other topics in evolutionary ecology, the evolution of phenotypic plasticity and bet-hedging, how populations cross fitness valleys, and epigenetic processes including genomic imprinting (see here for publications: http://vancleve.theoretical.bio/publications).

Additionally, the lab aims to be broadly interdisciplinary across complex biological systems from the molecular to metapopulation scales and welcomes applicants interested in quantitative approaches and with diverse backgrounds including (but not limited to) mathematics, physics, computer science, and economics.

The exact research project topics for potential students are flexible, though interested individuals should contact Jeremy Van Cleve (jvancleve@uky.edu) with a CV and short statement of interests before applying.

Applicants should apply to the Department of Biology Graduate program (http://bio.as.uky.edu/grad-program). Stipend, tuition, and medical insurance, are covered as part of a teaching assistantship and research assistantships and fellowships are competitively available.

Questions about the Biology Graduate program can be sent to Van Cleve (jvancleve@uky.edu) or the Director of Graduate studies, Jakub Famulski (jakub.famulski@uky.edu).

Please note that applications should be received by December 15th 2026 for full consideration.

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