Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Positions in Ecology and Evolution The goal of the interdisciplinary project SPatially Explicit Evolution of Diversity (SPEED) is to understand how evolutionary history and the potential for rapid evolution can influence the response to climate change by species, biotic communities, and regional patterns of biological diversity. The project focuses on species in the Restionaceae, a family of grass-like monocots that are primarily found in the fynbos of South Africa. The project employs the tools of molecular phylogenetics, evolutionary modeling across phylogenies, field experimentation, plant physiology, community phylogenetics and niche modeling. Collaborating institutions include the University of Lausanne, the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL. SPEED is funded by the Sinergia program of the Swiss National Fund for Science (SNF). There are three open positions, each with funding for three years:
Ph.D. in evolutionary modeling and phylogenetics. This position will focus on niche evolution through the development of Bayesian models to estimate how niche parameters of species are evolving through time and lineages. The project will also generate molecular data to complement existing phylogenetic trees of the Restionaceae. This students primary location will be in the Salamin lab at the University of Lausanne (http://www.unil.ch/phylo). Ph.D. in population genetics and ecological niche variability. This position will focus on the relationship between geographical range, niche variability and genetic variation. The position is to explore the patterns of inheritance of the niche and genetic attributes of selected species. This students primary location will be in the Linder lab at the University of Zurich. Post-doctoral research in physiological and experimental plant ecology. This position will focus on study of the relationship between the fundamental and realized ecological niches of species in the Restionaceae. Experimental work will be done in greenhouse facilities in Switzerland, possibly with substantial fieldwork in South Africa. The researchers primary association will be with the Linder lab at the University of Zurich, The position will include some project management (not more than 20%). Applications MUST be received no later than Sunday, May 31, 2009. Interviews to be held fourth week in June. Start date in September, 2009. For further information about the SPEED project: http://www.wsl.ch/projects/SPEED Please contact Peter B. Pearman or the relevant person linked to your interest. The SPEED project proposal is available to interested applicants upon request. To apply, send the following materials, as separate PDF files: 1. PDF of cover letter, addressed to The SPEED Search Committee, indicating --position applied for --your career goals --your research interests in context of the SPEED project --detail of how the experience and skills shown in your CV prepare you specifically for the position for which you are applying 2. PDF of CV, complete, showing contact information, title of thesis (and dissertation), date, universities, research experience, notable skills, advanced courses, publication list, posters and talks presented, awards, service, etc 3. PDF of the abstract of your Masters thesis or Ph.D. dissertation research 4. PDF of university report of coursework, showing grades and degrees earned (must be in English) 5+. PDF's of published papers and papers in-press. Send application as e-mail with attachments, with the following subject line SPEED Project (and insert position applied for: evolutionary modeling, population genetics,or post-doc) Send a separate e-mail, cover letter (PDF), and other PDF documents for each position applied for (if more than one) to: [email protected] Dont forget the deadline!
