Dear all, Please feel free to spread around if you think anyone might be interested: Thank you Best wishes Krzysztof Bartoszek
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 two PhD students 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). PhD 1 Major tasks: generate RADseq population data for Ferula communis and Daucus carota delimit independently evolving lineages in Ferula communis and Daucus carota species complexes determine G-matrices for fruit and seedling traits based on molecular data for several populations estimate various measures of evolvability for Ferula and Daucus system PhD 2 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 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 (piwc...@umk.pl). Feel free to contact him by email for further information. Review of applicants will start in the first week of January 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 _______________________________________________ R-sig-phylo mailing list - R-sig-phylo@r-project.org https://stat.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/r-sig-phylo Searchable archive at http://www.mail-archive.com/r-sig-phylo@r-project.org/
