Post-Doctoral Research Assistant Department of Zoology

The Natural History Museum Polychaete Research Group Salary to =A323,000 Molecular genetics of deep-sea polychaetes A 6-month research position is available to study polychaete worms collected from deep-sea chemosynthetic habitats on the California Slope. These habitats include hydrothermal vents, whale-carcasses, kelp-parcels and wood-parcels. The aim of the project is to obtain a variety of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences in order to address questions regarding the degree of gene-flow between these ephemeral island habitats, the genetic structure of their populations and the phylogenetic position of the species that occupy them. One of the main goals of the project is to examine the linkages between chemosynthetic habitats of geologic origin (such as hydrothermal vents and seeps) and those of biogenic origin (such as whale-carcasses).
A skilled molecular biologist, with sound knowledge of phylogenetic, phylogeographic or population genetic analysis is required. Knowledge of deep-sea ecology and polychaete taxonomy is not required, but would be desirable. Although the specimens for the project have already been collected, there will be an opportunity to collect more on an oceanographic research cruise on the California slope. This project will be jointly supervised by Dr Adrian Glover (The Natural History Museum), Dr Thomas Dahlgren (Tj=E4rn=F6 Marine Biological Laboratory, Sweden) and Prof Craig Smith (University of Hawaii). For full details of requirements, a full job description and equal opportunities form please Email: PDRA@hs-scientific.co.uk, or write to: The Natural History Museum, c/o Hudson Shribman Scientific Recruitment, Vernon House, Sicilian Ave, London, WC1A 2QS. Application will be by CV & covering letter including a summary of your research interests. Closing date: 20th August 2004. Dr Adrian Glover Zoology Department The Natural History Museum Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, U.K. 020 7942 5056 (office) 077 666 484 40 (mobile)