Graduate Students (updated 10/12/25)

We hope to recruit a new graduate student in 2025 or 2026 (for start in 2026/2027). Prospective students with an interest in combining any of the following fields are encouraged to apply: natural history, phylogenetics, molecular biology, evolutionary ecology, and chemical ecology. Currently, all research projects in the lab are tied somehow to chemical defenses, and I have a strong preference for recruiting students interested in this specific topic. Prior experience doing research and fieldwork or labwork is necessary; a background encompassing multiple skillsets (fieldwork, labwork, bioinformatics) and across more than one field of research (e.g., molecular biology, physiology, systematics) is highly recommended. Prospective students should contact me with their CV and a description of their research interests prior to applying. Los(as) estudiantes interesados(as) que hablen español, si lo prefieren, pueden escribirme en ese idioma.

Applications for the IB graduate program (PhD only) are normally due the first week of December. See more information here.

For prospective students interested in applying for the NSF GRFP with my assistance, please email in March - July of the application year. I am happy to help write applications with students whose research interests align well with the lab’s research, who have a competitive track record of research experience, and who have some experience with scientific writing. I will request to speak with references prior to agreeing to support an NSF GRFP applicant.

Each year our lab receives upwards of 50 inquires for graduate student positions. Inevitably this means that the competition is very high among applicants. I will try my best to review every email and to give you my honest impression of whether or not your application will be competitive among that year’s applicant pool.

October 2025 update: this year I have already received a particularly large number of applications, which will inevitably mean that competition for a single spot will be intense. I may not be able to answer everyone. If in doubt if you think your application is competitive, apply to the program.

Postdocs

I encourage postdocs to seek out independent fellowships like those listed here, here, here, here, and here. Prospective NSF PRFB fellows, if you contact me in advance, I am more than happy to help write/review your proposals. If you have several publications under your belt already, I would recommend taking a look at postdoctoral funding opportunities through the Miller Institute at UC Berkeley.

Undergraduates

We have anywhere from 5-15 undergraduate researchers in the lab at a time. Please look for open URAP opportunities to join the lab or connect with one of the graduate students or postdocs in the lab.

Additional Resources

At Berkeley

• Fellowships for graduate students at Berkeley

• Other fellowships available to international students

Looking for herpetologically minded labs? Check out the list of PIs looking for students and postdocs organized by the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles