The Zhang Lab at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (School of Biological Sciences & Nebraska Center for Virology) invites applications for a fully funded PhD student position in comparative evolutionary genomics.
Our lab investigates the genomic architecture, evolutionary dynamics, and environmental/ecological drivers of major phenotypic and immunological shifts across animal lineages. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join two interdisciplinary research projects:
1. Cellular Predation, Motility, and the Cambrian Explosion
Investigating how ancient cellular predator-prey dynamics, failed phagocytosis, and stress-induced genomic instability generated the structural and regulatory substrates underlying early metazoan architectural diversification and body-plan evolution.
2. Evolution of Sexual Reproduction and Genome Architecture
Exploring the evolutionary pressures, chromosomal dynamics, and genomic transitions involved in the origination and maintenance of sexual reproduction.

Key Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.
Strong interest in evolutionary genomics, phylogenomics, comparative genomics, or the origin of complex metazoan traits.
What We Offer:
Full Financial Support: Graduate stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance.
Cutting-Edge Research Environment: Access to state-of-the-art computational resources, high-performance computing clusters, and the vibrant research community of the School of Biological Sciences and the Nebraska Center for Virology.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send an email to Dr. Luwen Zhang at lzhang2@unl.edu or lzhang2@nebraska.edu with the subject line "PhD Application - Evolutionary Genomics" including:
- A cover letter detailing your research interests, background, and alignment with the lab’s work.
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact information for 2–3 academic references.

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