Sorry for cross-posting --- please distribute as appropriate --- Thank you.
This is a modified reposting of a job add that may have escaped the attention of some due to end-of-the year festivities / depressions, and of others due to a too detailed list of characters of the *ideal* candidate. Please contact me if you feel uncertain whether or not to apply. Thank you, Andreas Prinzing 2 YEAR POSTDOCTORAL POSITION ON DIVERSIFICATION OF PLANT LINEAGES WITHIN HABITATS -> WHERE? University of Rennes 1, France; Institute Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution; Group Ecology of Diversification (Andreas Prinzing) -> WHEN? Commencing early spring 2007 at the latest. The initial contract is for one year, renewable, without problems, for another year. (Review of applications starting IMMEDIATELY, application deadline is JANUARY 28, please send statement of interest as soon as possible.) -> THE PROJECT (funded as Action Thématique « ATIP » by Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique): The major hypothesis for the project is that habitat types drive evolutionary diversification of plant lineages. Many evolutionary biologists have a hierarchical view of local species communities: Communities are assembled from a regional pool of already- evolved species via a habitat filter acting on already-evolved traits. In our project we will explore the opposite view: whether and how the ecological conditions within different types of habitats may affect the pattern and pace of evolutionary diversification of phylogenetic lineages across geological time scales. We particularly account for effects of habitats on genetic variation, division of gene pools, and local persistence of genetic isolates. We are especially interested in effects mediated by genomic and life history traits of the species. This research will allow us to explore how mechanisms of diversification depend on the ecological context. The major methodological approach is the analysis of comprehensive databases on the phylogeny, habitat use, co-existence, genome and life history of central European plant species, in order to reconstruct ancestral habitats and traits, and their influences on the pace and pattern of evolution. We aim for collecting additional information on the genome size of species (in collaboration with an external lab), a still under- recorded trait linked to both environment and diversification. The work will mainly involve evolutionary phylogenetic analysis, for example character reconstruction, examining factors affecting speciation/extinction rates in phylogenies, examining randomness or non- randomness of branching patterns, phylogenetically independent comparative analyses. -> ELIGIBLE are holders of a PHD (at the date of recruitment) *except French citizens* (constraint imposed by the funding agency) -> PREFERRED CRITERIA: - Strong statistical and computing skills ideally in one of the above listed phylogenetic approaches - An interest in plant environments (biotic or abiotic), plant life- histories or plant phylogeny and how they interact - Willingness to do some fieldwork such as sampling plant species - Publication experience -> RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT: The host institution is the Research Unit Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution, co-funded by University of Rennes 1 and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), harboring 58 researchers and teachers. It was ranked A in the national evaluation of research institutions. Several further research institutions in ecology and evolutionary biology exist at Rennes. Our Research Group within the Research Unit works among other things on phylogenetic community assembly of plants and animals, on diversification of plant phenotypes along climatic gradients, and the diversity of arthropods in tree canopies. See http://ecobio.univ-rennes1.fr and http://ecobio.univ- rennes1.fr/Fiches_perso/Banque/publi1_APrinzing.doc. -> ABOUT RENNES, FRANCE Rennes has approximately 200 000 inhabitants (25 % students) and is the political and cultural capital of the Bretagne region with exceptional coastal and mainland landscapes, and a french-celtic heritage (http://www.region- bretagne.fr/CRB/Public/rubriques_thematique/visiter_la_bretagne/la_bretagne_ une_reg/la_bretagne_en_image/). English is spoken everywhere in academia, but not always outside. Like in any French city, child care is excellent (almost for free, no waiting list, nearby). -> SALARY: Depends on your experience, but the minimum is 2200 Euros gross salary per month, which translates into approximately 1760 Euros net, all social charges included (1 Euro = 1.23 Dollars, 2 bedroom apartments are available at 500 Euros / month or less, all inclusive). Work permits are granted for the spouses of Europeans / scientists living in France. -> APPLICATION: Please send applications (including CV, publication list, statement of research interest, major publications, and contact information for referees) or further questions by email to: Andreas Prinzing, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Universite de Rennes 1 ; Unite Mixte de Recherche CNRS 6553 « Ecobio » : Ecosystemes - Biodiversite Evolution ; Campus de Beaulieu, Batiment 14A ; 35042 Rennes Cedex, France. Review of applications starts immediately, deadline is January 28 (please send a statement of interest as soon as possible).
