Three research positions are available in the Evolutionary Phyloinformatics Group in the Evolution, Ecology and Genetics Division of the Research School of Biological Sciences at the Australian National University in Canberra.
1. Exploring evolvability: its causes, consequences and practical applications in a changing environment. Does evolution result in traits that increase the generation of variation or the efficiency of selection? Does the tempo and mode of evolution increase in particular times, places or lineages? The emphasis of this research program is to frame questions such as these in a way that allows them to be tested and applied to important practical case studies. The postdoc will develop and extend a broad-scale comparative approach to these questions, in particular making use of the analysis of large molecular phylogenies and patterns of molecular evolution. For more information see http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=3D1644.
2. Origins of a biodiversity hotspot flora: diversification of the Australian Proteaceae.
Mediterranean-climate regions, such as Australia’s southwest, often have spectacular botanical diversity, despite poor soils and low rainfall. Using the family Proteaceae as a case study, we will test hypotheses to explain the origins of the richly diverse flora of the southwest, exploring the contributions of lineage age, diversification rate and ecological 'carrying capacity' to species richness. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for generating a species-level molecular phylogeny of the Proteaceae, constructing databases of geographic and ecological information, then using these to analyze patterns of macroevolution and macroecology in the Proteaceae
3. Evolution of halophytes: a phyloinformatic approach to understanding and exploiting the traits underlying salt-tolerance in plants.
This project takes a novel biodiversity-based approach to the global problem of increasing environmental salinity, by asking what traits or preconditions underlie the evolution of salt-tolerance across >1500 naturally salt-tolerant flowering plant species? We can use this as a model system for understanding the evolution of complex traits and adaptation to harsh environments. A research assistant is required to undertake DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The position includes collaborative work that may involve interstate travel.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please send an email with a brief description of your interests and experience, along with a CV, to lindell.bromham@anu.edu.au or marcel.cardillo@anu.edu.au.
19 de noviembre de 2010
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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AT THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY