Dear all,
If you know of anybody that could be interested in the below position
please forward it to them.
Best wishes
Krzysztof
Ph.D. opportunity in plant evolutionary biology
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
The Chair of Ecology and Environment Protection
(
http://www.keib.umk.pl/?lang=en) is recruiting PhD student interested
in studying evolution of morphological traits in plants at various
time scales. The goal of this project is to contribute towards an
understanding of how genetic architecture (the structure of genotype
to phenotype mapping) affects the evolution of quantitative traits.
According to quantitative genetics theory, the evolution of phenotypic
traits depends on the strength of selection and the amount of genetic
variation. However, part of this variation maybe constrained by
correlations with other traits that are under conflicting selective
regimes. In consequence, the ability to respond to selection
(evolvability) may be limited, even if a trait has high heritability.
However, the extent to which genetic architecture limits phenotypic
evolution remains an open question. Likewise, it is unknown whether it
affects evolution at the short time scale and is easily overcome by
selection, or if the genetic architecture is an important long-term
determinant of the direction of evolution. In this project we aim to
answer these questions using two plant species from the family
Apiaceae, Daucus carota and Ferula communis, as a model system.
This project will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Thomas
Hansen (University of Oslo) and dr Krzysztof Bartoszek (Uppsala
University).
Major tasks:
phylogenetic analysis of various taxa from the family Apiaceae based
on RADseq data
establish a database of phenotypic traits (seedlings, fruits,
inflorescences and flowers), life history strategies and geographic
distributions for species from the family Apiaceae
estimate the rate of morphological trait evolution using phylogenetic
comparative methods
help in developing the R package mvSLOUCH dedicated to analysis of
multivariate Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models on phylogeny
The ideal candidate will have a background in molecular
biology/population genetics/phylogenetics, as well as experience
working with Linux and modern programming languages such as R.
Previous experience in generating and analysis of next-generation
sequencing data will be considered positively. A condition of the
application is a Master
degree (or equivalent) in biology or similar subjects.
The stipend for both positions is 3 000 PLN net monthly (app. 700
EURO) for three years. The living cost in Torun is low. For example, a
room in a student house (inc. Wi-Fi, kitchen, heating, hot water) is
app. 100-150 EURO monthly, loaf of bread 0.5 EURO, beer 0.5-0.7 EURO,
beer in pub 1-2 EURO, dinner in restaurant 5-8 EURO.
Nicolaus Copernicus University is located close to the medieval center
of Torun (
http://www.visittorun.pl/) which is listed among UNESCO
World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. Torun is a dynamic academic
city and provides many opportunities for intellectual and cultural
stimulation. The Vistula river runs through town and is ideal for the
naturalists as many natural protected areas are located in its valley.
If you are interested, please send a CV, a short statement of your
research interests (max. one page) and the contact details of at least
one academic referee to Marcin Piwczynski (
piwczyn@umk.pl). Feel free
to contact him by email for further information. Review of applicants
will start in the first week of August 2017. The positions will stay
open until filled.
Marcin Piwczynski
Chair of Ecology and Biogeography,
Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection,
Nicolaus Copernicus University
Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun
POLAND
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