We are always seeking collaborators excited about understanding plant variation. The Fishman Lab aims to be an welcoming and stimulating environment to learn new skills, explore the natural world, and think deeply about the evolutionary processes that generate the fascinating diversity (both visible and hidden) of flowering plants. If you are interested in joining the Fishman Lab, please email lila.fishman@mso.umt.edu.
Postdocs
We are current advertising for two postdoc positions on NSF-funded research projects:
Meiotic drive by centromeres: This collaborative project is focused on the evolution of centromeric satellite DNA and mechanisms of non-Mendelian chromosomal transmission. For more info, see the advertisement and/or email Lila.
Evolution of a novel reproductive trait, touch-sensitive stigma closure: This EDGE-CMT project uses a mix of transcriptomic, genomic and functional approaches to explore mechanisms of plant movement and reproductive signaling. For more info, see the advertisement and/or email Lila.
I am also happy to work with potential postdocs on the development of fellowship proposals. Because most Fellowship programs have time-limited eligibility (maximum 9-12 months tenure as a postdoc), please contact Lila well in advance of the deadline to discuss potential projects. Mimulus has amazing resources and there are opportunities to explore many other axes of variation!
Graduate students
Students in the Fishman Lab work on a broad range of questions across plant evolution, genomics, and genetics -- my philosophy is to encourage exploration of several possible dissertation projects in the first years rather than direct a student into one pre-existing research project. I advise both MS and PhD candidates, and I try to partially support all students on RAships regardless of project. We are currently interested in recruiting a student i focused on the stigma closure project linked above.
Current undergraduate students and post-baccalaureate researchers are encouraged to contact us no later than summer, as deadlines are in mid-October) about potentially writing a GRF (NSF Graduate Research Fellowship) proposal. NSF strongly encourages applications prior to graduate school admission, and I am committed to helping prospective students develop ideas and hone proposals.
Undergraduates
Undergraduate students interested in pursuing mentored research for Honors thesis or independent research credit should contact Lila (lila.fishman@mso.umt.edu) to discuss ideas and opportunities. Recent student projects have spanned everything from physiological assays and genomic mapping to studies of plant movement and plant-fungal interactions, and frequently result in co-authorship of scientific papers. If you are interested in plants and/or evolution/genetics/genomics, motivated to learn, and curious about doing science, do not hesitate to contact me!!! We do not expect prior research experience -- that's what college is for!
In addition, we often have paid positions for lab and/or greenhouse assistants. Work-study applicants are particularly encouraged to contact us, and there may be opportunities for summer field assistantships (in Yellowstone or Oregon) once trained.