We are Recruiting a Ph.D. Student!

The Cnidarian Evolutionary Ecology Lab at the University of Southern California is recruiting a prospective Ph.D. student with interests in the behavioral ecology and neurogenomics of early coral life-history stages for a Fall 2025 start. This position will contribute to the Physiological & Behavioral Neurogenomics research sphere of a newly funded Allen Discovery Center for Neurobiology in Changing Oceans which aims to bridge knowledge gaps about the neurobiology of marine animals in natural settings to enhance our predictive power and ability to intervene. This Center involves multiple investigators and institutions, providing ample networking and career development opportunities. There will also be latitude to develop additional projects within the broader themes of the Center based on the student’s interests.

Skills or experiences that are specifically relevant to the funded research include:
– Experience in the rigors of conducting research at a field station
– Background or strong interest in neurobiology
– Background or strong interest in coral biology/ecology/evolution
– Background or strong interest in larval biology/ecology/physiology
– Ability to work and collaborate with fellow scientists

Prospective candidates must apply to the Marine and Environmental Biology PhD program under the USC College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Three years of RA support is available in support of this position as part of the Allen Discovery Center grant in addition to the standard MEB support package. Please visit https://dornsife.usc.edu/meb/prospective-students/ for more details regarding the degree program, stipends, and application process.

If you would like to receive preliminary feedback on your application materials and fit with this position description prior to submitting your full application to the MEB program, please email your CV and statement of purpose to Dr. Kenkel (ckenkel@usc.edu) by October 15.

Code of Conduct

The CEE Lab is proud to uphold an inclusive environment for all team members. In joining our lab you commit to respecting scientists of all ages, sexes, gender identities, sexual orientations, disability status, racial & ethnic identities, religions, nationalities, and socio-economic backgrounds.

We expect our lab members to uphold this standard of inclusivity and to speak out against discrimintation or harassment of any kind.

You also agree to maintain the scientific integrity of research conducted in the CEE Lab. This includes transparency in data acquisition, a commitment to open data sharing, and producing original work.

Carly’s Mentoring Philosophy

Think of me as your science personal trainer. You’re joining the lab with an end goal in mind and my primary objective is to help you reach that goal. I will challenge you, but I will also support you. When you join the lab we’ll develop a mentoring plan that outlines your short, medium and long-term goals, milestones, and plan of action, which we will review together at least twice a year. As you carry out this plan I will advise you and help you to develop your network.

Forms and Deadlines

If you are interested in working with us in the CEE Lab, please follow the guidelines to the right that apply to you. Please note that positions are not always available and are subject to variability. See below for more information on scholarship and fellowship opportunities.

Undergraduate Info Form

Undergraduate students interested in working in the CEE Lab should fill out this information form. Responses will be reviewed in August and January for the Fall and Spring semesters, respectively, and students will be notified of available positions.

PhDs, Postdocs, & Visiting Scholars

Prospective PhD students, visiting scholars, and/or postdocs should email Carly at ckenkel@usc.edu with a statement of interest and a copy of your CV. Prospective students should reach out by Sept 30 of the year they plan to apply to the MEB program for full consideration.

Further Info & Resources