2 Funded PhD Positions in Fungal Biology, Genomics & Bioinformatics in the USA – 2027

Are you looking for a funded PhD position in the USA for 2027? Two PhD opportunities are currently available in the Rahnama Lab at Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech) in areas spanning fungal biology, genomics, molecular genetics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, and plant–microbe interactions.

The two positions have different research focuses and start dates:

• Spring 2027: Molecular & Genomic Fungal Biology

• Fall 2027: Computational Fungal Genomics & Evolution

These positions could be a strong fit for students with backgrounds in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, genomics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, evolutionary biology, plant biology, or plant pathology.

PhD Position 1: Molecular & Genomic Fungal Biology

Start date: Spring 2027

The first PhD position focuses on the molecular and genomic aspects of fungal biology. The research will involve approaches that combine molecular genetics, functional genomics, genome sequencing, and plant–fungal interactions.

Students interested in this position may have opportunities to work with techniques and approaches including:

• Fungal molecular genetics

• Functional genomics

• CRISPR

• DNA sequencing

• RNA sequencing

• Plant–fungal interactions

• Fungal genome biology

• Molecular biology

• Plant pathology

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for students who enjoy experimental laboratory research and want to investigate fungal biology using modern genomic and molecular approaches.

PhD Position 2: Computational Fungal Genomics & Evolution

Start date: Fall 2027

The second position focuses on computational fungal genomics and evolution and is particularly aimed at applicants with a strong computational or bioinformatics background.

The preferred skills include experience with:

• Bioinformatics

• Linux

• Python

• R

• Bash

• Programming and scripting

• Genomic data analysis

• Fungal genomics

• Evolutionary biology

Applicants interested in analyzing large-scale genomic datasets and investigating fungal genome evolution, adaptation, and population genomics may find this position especially relevant.

Research Areas in the Rahnama Lab

Research in the lab brings together multiple disciplines to investigate how fungal genomes evolve, adapt, and interact with their environments.

Major research areas include:

Fungal genomics
Understanding fungal genome organization, evolution, and variation.

Molecular genetics
Using molecular and genetic approaches to investigate fungal biology.

Functional genomics
Studying gene function and genome-wide biological processes.

Evolutionary biology
Investigating adaptation, genome evolution, and evolutionary processes.

Population genomics
Using genomic data to study genetic variation and population-level evolution.

Chromosome biology
Examining chromosome organization and its contribution to fungal biology and evolution.

Plant–microbe interactions
Understanding interactions between fungi and plants, with relevance to plant health and disease.

Which PhD Position Is Right for You?

The two positions have different technical emphases.

If your background is primarily in wet-lab molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, or plant biology, the Spring 2027 position may be a closer match.

If you have stronger experience in bioinformatics, programming, Linux, and genomic data analysis, the Fall 2027 position may be more appropriate.

Who Can Apply?

Students with academic and research backgrounds in relevant fields may consider applying, including:

• Biology

• Molecular biology

• Genetics

• Microbiology

• Biotechnology

• Plant biology

• Plant pathology

• Genomics

• Bioinformatics

• Computational biology

• Evolutionary biology

Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in the research area and explain how their previous academic or research experience connects with the proposed PhD research.

For the computational position, practical experience with Linux and Python, R, and/or Bash will be particularly valuable.

How to Apply

Interested students should contact the Rahnama Lab directly by email.

Applicants should send:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

2. A brief description of research interests

3. A brief description of research experience

Application Contact

Email: [email protected]

In your email, clearly mention which position you are interested in — Molecular & Genomic Fungal Biology (Spring 2027) or Computational Fungal Genomics & Evolution (Fall 2027).

A concise email explaining your academic background, research experience, relevant technical skills, and interest in the lab can help the PI quickly understand your suitability for the position.

Why Consider This PhD Opportunity?

These positions offer an opportunity to work at the intersection of several rapidly developing areas of biological research.

Students can potentially gain experience in fields such as:

• Fungal genomics

• Molecular genetics

• Functional genomics

• CRISPR

• DNA/RNA sequencing

• Bioinformatics

• Computational genomics

• Evolutionary biology

• Population genomics

• Plant pathology

• Plant–microbe interactions

The combination of experimental and computational approaches is particularly relevant to modern biological research, where genomic datasets increasingly complement laboratory experiments.

Important Details

University: Tennessee Technological University
Department: Department of Biology
Lab: Rahnama Lab
Degree: PhD
Number of positions: 2
Location: Tennessee, USA

Position 1: Molecular & Genomic Fungal Biology
Start: Spring 2027

Position 2: Computational Fungal Genomics & Evolution
Start: Fall 2027

Application: Email CV and a brief description of research interests and experience
Contact: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many PhD positions are available?

There are two funded PhD positions available in the Rahnama Lab at Tennessee Technological University.

2. When do the PhD positions start?

One position begins in Spring 2027, while the second begins in Fall 2027.

3. What is the Spring 2027 PhD position about?

The Spring 2027 position focuses on Molecular & Genomic Fungal Biology, including fungal molecular genetics, functional genomics, CRISPR, sequencing, and plant–fungal interactions.

4. What is the Fall 2027 PhD position about?

The Fall 2027 position focuses on Computational Fungal Genomics & Evolution, with an emphasis on bioinformatics, genomic analysis, programming, and evolutionary research.

5. What programming skills are preferred for the computational PhD?

The advertisement specifically mentions Python, R, and/or Bash, along with experience using Linux.

6. Do I need bioinformatics experience for both positions?

Not necessarily. The two positions have different emphases. The computational position specifically seeks applicants with a strong computational/bioinformatics background, whereas the molecular and genomic position is more focused on molecular genetics, functional genomics, CRISPR, sequencing, and plant–fungal interactions.

7. What documents should applicants send?

Interested applicants should email their CV and a brief description of their research interests and experience.

8. How do I apply?

Applicants should contact the Rahnama Lab by email at [email protected].

9. Can students from different biological backgrounds apply?

Students with relevant backgrounds in areas such as molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, plant biology, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and evolutionary biology may find these positions relevant. Applicants should demonstrate a strong connection between their experience and the lab’s research.

10. Is this a fully funded PhD?

The announcement describes these as funded PhD positions. Prospective applicants should contact the lab directly to confirm the current funding package, stipend, tuition coverage, and other financial details.

Final Takeaway

For students seeking a funded PhD in the USA in 2027, these two opportunities at Tennessee Technological University offer different pathways into fungal research.

The Spring 2027 position is particularly relevant to students interested in molecular genetics, CRISPR, functional genomics, sequencing, and plant–fungal interactions.

The Fall 2027 position is a better match for students with strong computational skills who want to work on fungal genomics, evolution, population genomics, and genomic data analysis.

Interested students should prepare their CV and research-interest statement and contact the Rahnama Lab at [email protected].

Note: Funding details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and other admission conditions should be confirmed directly with the Rahnama Lab or Tennessee Technological University before applying.