We are recruiting a PhD student for Fall 2027!

The Cnidarian Evolutionary Ecology Lab is recruiting a prospective Ph.D. student for a Fall 2027 start to craft a dissertation focused on the ecology and evolution of fragmentation in branching acroporids. Specific goals of the project include investigating trade-offs between asexual (~fragmentation) and sexual reproduction and quantifying the energetics of fragmentation. The student will have access to photogrammetry and genetic data from an ongoing field transplant in the Upper Florida Keys and the CEE Lab experimental aquarium system at USC. A pending grant proposal requests additional funds for fieldwork at other sites in the Caribbean and four semesters of RA salary support.

Skills or experiences that are specifically relevant to the planned project include:
– Experience in the rigors of conducting field research, including diving
– Background or strong interest in coral biology/ecology/evolution
– Background or strong interest in ecophysiology and/or genomics
– Strong team player

Prospective candidates must apply to the Marine and Environmental Biology PhD program under the USC College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Please visit https://dornsife.usc.edu/meb/prospective-students/ for more details regarding the program, stipends, and application process.

If you would like to receive preliminary feedback on your application materials and fit with the position description prior to submitting your full application to the program, please email your CV and statement of purpose to Dr. Kenkel (ckenkel@usc.edu) by October 16.

If this position is not of interest, please check out:
Other Ecology/Evolution/Marine Biology Labs recruiting PhD students for Fall 2027

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.

Lab members gathered together sitting in an outdoor setting.

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