Post-doctoral position Impact of plant domestication on the evolution of plant-associated organisms Ohio State University Review of applications beginning October 8
We seek a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary project studying the impacts of plant domestication on the evolution of plant-associated organisms. The genetic bottlenecks that accompany selective sweeps profoundly affect the levels of genetic diversity found in domesticated plant species, while also affecting loci underlying important morphological, physiological, ecological, and biochemical characteristics. The dramatic change in the genetic diversity of plant hosts can also have cascading effects on genome evolution in the community of associated organisms. In the long term, this project seeks to identify the genes that led to domestication-induced adaptive divergence and speciation in both plant and plant-associated organisms. Our project focuses on chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) as a model system to understand the molecular basis of coevolution at multiple scales-from the genome to the organism, and, eventually, the community. C. annuum, one of the most diverse species within its genus and cultivated world-wide, includes nearly 50 recognized types that range from the mildest bell pepper to the hottest cayenne. The focus region of the study will be Mexico, which is C. annuum's center of domestication, where its progenitor (Capsicum annuum ssp. glabriusculum) grows in wild and semi-cultivated settings. Research questions will relate to: C. annuum population genetic diversity along environmental and domestication gradients; adaptation, population genomics and ecological speciation of insect host races, fungi and oomycetes; and tri-trophic interactions. We seek applicants with an interest in evolutionary biology and experience using a range of techniques from quantitative and molecular genetics, genomics, and/or bioinformatics to answer ecological and evolutionary questions. Skills related to genome annotation, detection of genomic loci and/or regions under artificial or natural selection, or other ecological genomic techniques are a plus. The successful candidate will hold this position for two years with the possibility of an extension pending funding. Applicants should be interested in spending significant time in Mexico on collecting trips in conjunction with Mexican collaborators. Command of the Spanish language is also a plus. This postdoctoral position will be part of a cluster hire by the Center for Applied Plant Sciences (CAPS; caps.osu.edu/). Review of applications will begin on October 8, 2012 and continue until a satisfactory candidate is found. The position can start as soon as January, 2013. Candidates interested in this position should refer to the search website (caps.osu.edu/caps-post-doctoral-researcher-search) or contact Donnalyn Roxey ([email protected]) for further information about the search and how to apply. For specific information about the research, contact Esther van der Knaap ([email protected]), Andrew Michel ([email protected]), Kristin Mercer ([email protected]), Leah McHale ([email protected]), or Tom Mitchell ([email protected]). ******************************* Kristin L. Mercer, Assistant Professor Department of Horticulture and Crop Science The Ohio State University www.hcs.osu.edu/mercerlab 310D Kottman Hall 2021 Coffey Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43210 [email protected] phone: 614-247-6394 fax: 614-292-7162
