Dear all, Dr Robert Colautti (Queen's University, Canada) and I (at Durham University, UK) are advertising a PhD project investigating post-introduction evolution in Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), using native-exotic range comparisons.
Lythrum salicaria is an ideal study species that can be used to test for evolution after introduction as a result of enemy release, by comparing native range (Europe) and exotic range (Canada) populations and genotypes. This exciting PhD project will combine herbarium records of this species in Europe and Canada, genomics and metagenomics in order to reveal the introduction history of purple loosestrife in Canada, and to test whether loosestrife flowering has changed over time and how this is linked to changes in pathogen and herbivore communities. The successful PhD candidate would be based at Durham (UK) and spend periods of work at Queen’s University in Canada. We welcome applicants from any country with strong writing and statistical skills; experience of lab-based/molecular work (DNA extraction, PCR) is desirable. The successful candidate will have the equivalent of an upper 2:1 or 1st class Bachelors degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental biology or equivalent. A Masters degree and proven experience of writing for peer-reviewed publication are also desirable. Please see https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=90433&LID=431 and send enquiries to Dr Wayne Dawson (wayne.daw...@durham.ac.uk), including a CV and cover letter explaining your suitability for the PhD project. The deadline for enquiries is 10 December, after which the best candidates will be put forward to apply for a competitive Durham Doctoral Studentship (see https://www.dur.ac.uk/science.faculty/postgraduatefunding/ for details). Regards, Wayne Dawson (Durham University)
