A PhD student position in Primate Speciation and Population Genomics is available in the group of Katerina Guschanski at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Sweden. For more information about the department see
www.ieg.uu.se.
Project description:
Our group is broadly interested in understanding how long-term evolutionary and short-term human-mediated processes shape biological diversity. The advertised project has the goal to study primate evolution from multiple angles and on different evolutionary time scales.
You will have the chance to study population and species level processes in a number of primate taxa using newly generated and publically available genomic data. Research topics include, but are not limited to:
i) Speciation genomics and the role of ancient hybridization in driving species diversity. You will focus on a group of highly diverse African monkeys (guenons) that are renown for their ecological, morphological and karyotypic diversity and readily hybridize in captivity and the wild. Although the main focus will be on speciation genomics, there are possibilities to extend this project to include cytogenomics, morphological and ecological analyses, depending on the candidate's interests.
ii) Population and conservation genomics. Using target DNA capture from fecal samples you will study genetic diversity, population structure, demography and local adaptation in wild primate populations. The generated insights will have direct relevance for conservation decision-making.
The exact project will be developed with the successful candidate and tailored towards their interests and skills.
Duties:
The selected candidate will mainly engage in large-scale phylogenomic and population genomic analyses that require solid bioinformatics skills, but will also conduct work in the wet lab to produce genomic sequencing data from non-invasively collected low-quality samples. Duties include active participation in the research group activities, training of junior group members in relevant techniques and engagement in collaborative projects.
Qualifications required:
To be eligible for a PhD-student position the applicant must hold a master degree (or equivalent) in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or a related field. The technical skills of the candidates will be evaluated based on the experience with large-scale sequence analysis, bioinformatics proficiency and experience with phylogenomic and population genomic studies. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest and documented knowledge in evolutionary biology, with a drive to understand processes shaping species diversity. Perseverance and high intrinsic motivation are required to work on non-model organisms using difficult samples and data. You will be highly reliable, driven and well-organized, curious and willing to think outside the box, with the ability to quickly acquire new skills. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
Qualifications desired:
Previous experience with wet lab molecular techniques, ideally with low-quality samples, is highly desired.
Starting date:
As early as possible, ideally by 2020-04-01 or as otherwise agreed.
Position:
The graduate program covers four years of full-time study. The position can be combined with teaching or other duties at the department (maximum 20%), which prolongs the employment with the corresponding time.
How to apply:
The application should include 1) a cover letter describing your research interests, your proficiency with molecular laboratory techniques and programming, experience in handling genomic data, other technical skills relevant for the project, as well as other qualifications that make you a suitable candidate, 2) your CV, including any produced publications, 3) a copy of your master degree, your course grades and a copy of your master thesis, if available, 4) the names and contact information of 2-3 reference persons (e-mail address and phone no; you are welcome to include this information at the end of your cover letter or as attachment under point 6 of the online application form). As the application form requires you to upload Description of your education under point 2, you are welcome to upload your CV here, as long as it provides the relevant information. You are also not required to fill out other tabs, as long as your CV covers the relevant points. The application should be written in English.
To apply, please follow this link (UFV-PA 2020/247):
https://uu.varbi.com/center/tool/position/312817/ https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/details/?positionId=312817 You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2020-02-24.
For further information about the position please contact:
Katerina Guschanski:
katerina.guschanski@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 2673.
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