Summary: We have a funded opportunity for one recently-graduated student (degree awarded between Jan 2022 – Jan 2023) who has NOT had substantial prior research experience and wishes to get it.
Topic: You will seek to understand how and why leaf structure and anatomy varies in a wide range of plant species. We will teach you image analysis techniques and build your skillset in understanding plant ecophysiology as well as in data organization, data analysis, and scientific writing. This research contributes to a multi-year study of the evolution of biological transportation networks and is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Qualifications: No or little prior research experience is required (this funding is specifically to help a student whose trajectory has been affected by the pandemic). Prior coursework in biology, or botany is preferred. Stated interest in continuing in a scientific or research career is preferred. Students from historically under-represented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Mentoring: You will be mentored remotely by Dr. Ilaíne Matos, a postdoctoral researcher. All work can be done remotely and at a computer. You also will be invited to join lab meetings and social events in assistant professor Benjamin Blonder’s research group (UC Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management). In person attendance is possible for local students.
Compensation and dates: $5000 for 2 months at ~20 hrs/week between March-April 2023. $1000 will be provided to support conference attendance or other professional development. Up to $1000 in transportation expenses will be provided if you are a Bay Area student who wishes to commute to/from your home to Berkeley, but remote participation is equally possible.
To apply: Please fill out https://forms.gle/zC213JuXDTKQvfR68 before October 31st @ 11:59 PM. Candidates will be evaluated based on a rubric and a shortlist will be interviewed. Late applications may be considered.
Questions: Email benjamin.blonder@berkeley.edu.