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Research in Plant Pollination

by Marissa M. Donohue on September 26, 2016

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF ORGANISMIC AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY ARNOLD ARBORETUM

RESEARCH IN PLANT POLLINATION

At least two research positions are open for Fall 2016 and subsequent semesters in the Hopkins lab at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University for research projects at the intersection of plant evolution, genetics, and development. These projects will study the mechanisms that Texas wildflowers use to reject unwanted pollen.

The student filling position (1) will assist with an investigation determining key differences distinguishing the development of wanted and unwanted pollen in our system. It involves conducting microscopic observations of female flower parts after receiving different types of pollen. The project will provide experience with plant reproductive development and microscopy techniques.

The student filling position (2) will assist with an investigation on the evolution of incompatibility mechanisms. This project aims to determine if artificial selection for self- compatibility within species increases hybridization between species. The project will involve crossing and phenotyping plants and will provide experience with greenhouse experimentation, quantitative genetics and plant breeding.

The student filling position (3) will assist with an investigation on the genetic basis of incompatibility mechanisms. This project aims to localize the genes responsible for variation in traits associated to flowering and self-incompatibility. The project will involve crossing, genotyping and phenotyping plants and will provide experience with plant breeding, genetics and molecular biology.

Students in all positions will gain valuable research experience collecting and analysing data to answer scientific questions. Positions have flexible hours, but students must be able to be present at least 10 hours per week, in blocks of at least 3 hours. Additionally, given the temporal nature of research on living plants, a minimum of one semester commitment is required.

People with all educational and research experience are welcome to apply. Compensation is dependent on experience and possibilities for course credit may depend on individual university policies. These details will be discussed during formal interviews.

To apply, please send the following information to federicoroda@fas.harvard.edu:
· A resume or CV listing courses taken, GPA, research experience, etc.
· A brief (<1 page) statement describing your academic interests and career goals, your past research experience (if any, previous experience not required), and indicating the position(s) in which you are interested and why.

For more information on the Arnold Arboretum: http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/. For more information on Hopkins’s lab research: http://hopkins-lab.org/

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