Title: Genetic basis of adaptive evolution and incipient speciation This project aims to investigate the role of genomic architecture in species’ adaptive evolution and incipient speciation. To this end, we will focus on the ecological model organism, the three-spined stickleback. This fish has repeatedly invaded the freshwater system since the last glaciation and evolved into distinct ecotypes. Using a large number of genomes and transcriptomes readily available, we will investigate rates of evolution, the role of alternative splicing and copy number variation in species' adaptive evolution and incipient speciation.
This PhD will be performed in collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology (Ploen, Germany, supervisor Prof. Manfred Milinski<http://www.evolbio.mpg.de/employees/12050/2169>) and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL, London, Uk, supervisor Dr. Christophe Eizaguirre). The student will be based on the Mile End Campus of QMUL and several long visits to Ploen are anticipated. The studentship is restricted to UK and EU citizens and will cover tuition fees as well as provide an annual tax-free maintenance allowance for 3 years at Research Councils UK rates (£16,057 in 2015-16). Skills required: - Motivation - Strong background in evolutionary biology and eagerness to learn bioinformatics. - or bioinformatic background and eagerness to learn evolutionary biology. To apply, students should have received a MSc in a relevant field (i.e. evolutionary biology, bioinformatics). We will also consider students who are about to finish their MSc. Both organizations seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage female candidates to apply for this position. For informal requests, do not hesitate to contact me at c.eizagui...@qmul.ac.uk ***Deadline for application: 16.09.2016***
