The Meyer lab at the University of Konstanz, Germany, member of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, is offering two fullyfunded three-year PhD positions
Ecology and genomics of parallel speciation of cichlid fishes in Nicaraguan crater lakes Project abstract The crater lakes in Nicaragua each contain small adaptive radiations of endemic cichlid fish. The species in these lakes often look astonishingly similar (Elmer and Meyer 2011). These cases of parallel evolution are the focus of research in the Meyer lab and we are studying this phenomenon at different levels of biological organization. We are looking for two PhD students to join our team who are interested in this from a (1) genetic (e.g., QTL-analyses) and genomic (e.g., comparative transcriptomics) perspective, and (2) an ecological/experimental viewpoint. The ecological genomics work aims to discover the genetic basis of (parallel) adaptations and next the functional characterization of candidate genes. This approach involves nextgeneration DNA sequencing technologies (Illumina and Roche FLX platforms) in the Genomics Center Konstanz and evo- devo work using transgenic model fish (e.g., zebrafish and medaka). We also plan to conduct mark-recapture studies and other ecological work in crater lakes in Nicaragua and are looking for a Spanish-speaking student who would work for longer periods of time in Nicaragua. The successful applicants will participate in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, the PhD program of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz. All IMPRS students are supported by stipends or contracts. The program offers a dedicated teaching program, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. The working language is English. Each PhD student receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee. Qualification Applicants should hold a MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point of enrollment. Queries should be mailed to the IMPRS program office: [email protected] Deadline for the application is January 15, 2013. Interviews are scheduled for Mid-March. The successful candidates are expected to start latest September 2013. The University of Konstanz is an equal opportunity employer. Application For the online application process visit www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS More information at www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS and www.facebook.com/OrganismalBiology
