Postgraduate PhD position in Animal Ecology - sexually antagonistic genetic variation

at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre
(EBC) with a tentative starting date being May 1^st , 2012, or as soon
as possible after this date. The Evolutionary Biology Center hosts one
of the world's largest aggregations of evolutionary biologists, and is a
prime research environment for a wide range of fields in evolutionary
biology (see "http://www.ebc.uu.se/" for more information). The working
atmosphere is very international with English as our operational
language. Our graduate school offers a creative and stimulating
environment and is very rich in seminars, courses and possibilities to
interact with other scholars and students (see
"http://www.ebc.uu.se/education/") -- graduate students recently ranked
Uppsala University in first place among all institutions in Europe in
the subject of biology (CHE European ranking). Uppsala University is the
oldest university in Scandinavia and the city of Uppsala is a vibrant
student town with beautiful surroundings conveniently situated 35
minutes by train from Stockholm.

*Brief research outline: **Although males and females share much of the
same genome, selection can be distinct in the two sexes. Sexually
antagonistic loci are those loci where selection acts in opposing
directions in the two sexes. This PhD student position is aimed at
improving our emerging understanding of the **architecture of sexually
antagonistic genetic variation**. Insects (seed beetles and/or fruit
flies) will serve as main model systems and the research will primarily
employ quantitative genetic techniques. The research will establish a
series of discrete genotypes and use crosses between these to analyse,
describe and understand the architecture of sexually antagonistic
genetic variation. Traits in focus are sex specific measures of life
history traits (especially metabolism) and integrative traits such as
life-time fitness. ***

*This PhD *position forms a part of a new project on genetic conflict,
funded by the European Research Council and the Swedish Research
Council. The entire project will employ some 6-8 PhD students and
postdocs, apart from a full time TA and the PI, and will strongly
encourage interactions and collaborations within the group.

*Salary and appointment*: The duration of the PhD training period is
four full years. The successful candidate will receive a postgraduate
fellowship the first year (currently 15.500 SEK/month) and a
postgraduate position year 2-4 (currently 23.300 -- 26.400 SEK/month)
including full social benefits.

*Eligibility:*The successful candidate should have a relevant MSc degree
(or equivalent) in biology/ecology.

*Qualifications and merits*: We seek highly motivated candidates with a
documented and strong interest in evolutionary biology and/or
evolutionary genetics, preferably also with past experience of
quantitative genetic analyses and an understanding of life history
theory and sexual selection. Experience of laboratory work with insects
is a merit as is previous experience of scientific writing and
publishing. Because the holder of this position will collaborate and
interact closely with other members of the group, we will put emphasis
on both independence and ability to collaborate.The applicant is
expected to have a good knowledge (spoken and written) of the English
language.

*To apply:*Applications should include (1) personal
information/background, (2) complete CV (3) a description of
undergraduate training, (4) an authorized copy of the undergraduate
degree and (5) the names and email addresses of three referees.
Applications should be sent either by regular mail to: Göran Arnqvist,
Animal Ecology, Dept. of Ecology and Genetics, Norbyv. 18D, University
of Uppsala, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; or electronically as PDF files
via email to: Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se. *Closing date for applications
is March 20, 2012*.

*For further information*about the position, please contact the main
supervisor and PI of the group: Professor Göran Arnqvist (phone +46
18 471 2645, e-mail Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se).



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Prof. Göran Arnqvist
Animal Ecology
Department of Ecology and Evolution
Evolutionary Biology Centre
University of Uppsala
Norbyvägen 18d
SE - 752 36 Uppsala
Sweden

Email: Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se
Phone: +46-(0)18-471 2645
Cell phone: +46-(0)70-2935032
Fax: +46-(0)18-471 6484
NEW homepage with PDF reprints and more at:
http://www.anst.uu.se/goarn789/index.html
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Biology (*UFV-PA 2012/68)*

at the Animal Ecology Program, the Department of Ecology and Genetics,
Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) with starting date being May 1^st ,
2012, or as soon as possible after this date. The Evolutionary Biology
Center hosts one of the world's largest aggregations of evolutionary
biologists, and is a prime research environment for a wide range of
fields in evolutionary biology and genetics (see "http://www.ebc.uu.se/"
for more information). The working atmosphere is very international with
English as our operational language. Uppsala University is the oldest
university in Scandinavia and the city of Uppsala is a vibrant student
town with beautiful surroundings conveniently situated 40 minutes with
train from Stockholm.

*Brief research outline: **The holder of this position will direct
research towards an evolutionary understanding of **the genomics of
metabolic rate**. Insects (seed beetles) will serve as the model system.
The candidate will first complete a collaborative effort to produce a
/de novo/ complete genome sequence of our main model system
(/Callosobruchus maculatus/) which is currently underway. The holder of
this position will then concentrate on the genetics of metabolic rate
using focussed genotype-phenotype matching and upon sex-specific
selection on discrete genotypes using experimental genomics. This
research will involve whole-organism phenotyping of metabolic rate
(using a state-of-the art respirometry system) and will focus on those
nuclear and mitochondrial genes that are involved in the oxphos pathway
and epistatic interactions between these.*

*This post*doctoral position forms a part of a new project on genetic
conflict, funded by the European Research Council and the Swedish
Research Council. The entire project will employ some 6-8 postdocs and
PhD students, apart from a full time TA and the PI, and will strongly
encourage interactions and collaborations within the group.**

*Salary and appointment*: The period of initial appointment is two
years, with the possibility of prolonging the contract with another two
years *(i.e., 2+2 years)*. Uppsala University adopts an individual
salary policy but the starting salary for postdoctoral researchers is
typically about 29.000 SEK per month and includes full social benefits.

*Eligibility:*The successful candidate must have a Ph.D, or an exam
which is judged comparable to a PhD, that was completed within three
years of the application deadline. Applicants that received their PhD
earlier than this date will be considered if special circumstances exist
(such as prolonged periods of illness, parental leave, military service,
union duties and others of similar character).

*Qualifications and merits*: The ideal candidate has a documented
expertise in using genomic tools in evolutionary biology and has a
documented interest in the study of phenotypic selection and/or general
evolutionary theory. Experience of /de novo/ next-generation sequencing
is a merit, as is experience of genotype-phenotype matching using
genomic data and/or comparative genomics. Experience of laboratory work
with insects and/or previous experience of work with respirometry
phenotyping of metabolism will also be considered merits. Because the
holder of this position will interact and collaborate closely with other
members of the group, we will put emphasis on both independence and
ability to collaborate. The holder of this position will be responsible
for orchestrating part of the larger research project as an independent
junior scientist and the ideal candidate therefore already has some
postdoctoral research experience.**

*To apply:*Candidates should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae
including a list of publications and a short (1-3 pages) description of
past research accomplishments and future research ambitions. Applicants
should also include names and e-mail addresses of two referees and
should specify the date they will be available to start the position.

*For further information*about the position, please contact the PI of
the group: Professor Göran Arnqvist (phone +46 18 471 2645, e-mail
Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se). The trade union representatives are Anders
Grundström, Saco (the Swedish Confederation of Professional
Associations), phone +46 18 471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST (the
Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees), phone +46 18 471 1996,
and Stefan Djurström, Seko (the Union of Service and Communication
Employees), phone +46 18 471 3315.

*You are welcome*to submit your application no later than *March
20**,**2012 (UFV-PA 2012/68)*. Please use the link below for access to
an on-line application portal:

http://www2.personalavd.uu.se/ledigaplatser/68postdokENG.html

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Prof. Göran Arnqvist
Animal Ecology
Department of Ecology and Evolution
Evolutionary Biology Centre
University of Uppsala
Norbyvägen 18d
SE - 752 36 Uppsala
Sweden

Email:Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se
Phone: +46-(0)18-471 2645
Cell phone: +46-(0)70-2935032
Fax: +46-(0)18-471 6484
NEW homepage with PDF reprints and more at:
http://www.anst.uu.se/goarn789/index.html
********************************

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11 PhD AND POST-DOC POSITIONS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY AND GENOMICS AT THE EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY CENTRE, UPPSALA UNIVERSITY

A Centre of Excellence in the interface of evolutionary biology and genomics has been established at the Dept of Evolutionary Biology of the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) of Uppsala University. The environment consists of several relatively young research groups (Urban Friberg, Anders Gotherstrom, Simone Immler, Mattias Jakobsson, Hanna Johannesson, Tanja Slotte and Jochen Wolf) with Hans Ellegren being Head of the unit. Currently, there are about 20 PhD students, 15 post-docs and some bioinformaticians working within these groups, with the great majority having a background from international universities. Thanks to a number of competitive grants recently obtained, the environment will now significantly expand by recruiting several new PhD students and post-docs.

An overview of the research activities in the environment can be found at our web pages (http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/evbiol/). A common theme is that we address key questions in evolutionary biology, like speciation, local adaptation, life history evolution, and molecular evolution, using genomic approaches. Study organisms include natural bird and plant populations, Neurospora, Drosophila, zebra fish, domestic animals and humans. We have tight connections with several other research programs at the Evolutionary Biology Centre (see http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/ and a centre-wide graduate school "The genomics of phenotypic diversity in natural populations" (http://www.ebc.uu.se/education/postgrad/gradschool/) is organized from here.

Below are brief descriptions of the positions currently open. Further details about each of these, including necessary qualifications, are available at http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/evbiol/open_positions/ or can be obtained from the named group leader. Informal inquiries and applications should be sent to the respective supervisor. Common to all positions is that we ask applicants to provide a CV, a statement of research interests and the name and contact details of at least two references. The positions remain open until filled.

1. PhD position: Haploid selection in animals
Sexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms entails the existence of two sexes (males and females) and two life phases (haploid and diploid). Selection acting differently in the two sexes and the two phases causes conflicts, which affect evolutionary processes. This PhD project aims to address questions about the causes and consequences of sexual selection across ploidy levels in animals. Experimental work using the zebrafish Danio rerio as a model system will bring answers to these questions. For more information please see our web pages or contact Simone Immler (Simone.Immler@ebc.uu.se).

2. PhD position: Natural selection on gene regulation
Changes in gene regulation have long been hypothesized to underlie adaptive phenotypic evolution. In this project, we aim to test this hypothesis and quantify the long-term impact of selection on regulatory sequences. The project will involve the use of genomic methods to study sequence and gene expression variation in the emerging plant model system Capsella. For more information please see our web pages or contact Tanja Slotte (Tanja.Slotte@ebc.uu.se).

3. PhD position: Whole-genome analysis of microsatellite evolution
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows gathering a wealth of information on microsatellite variability both within and between species. Using recently assembled whole-genome sequences from multiple avian and mammalian species, this project aims to increase our understanding of the evolution of microsatellites and polymorphism at these loci. Moreover, this project also aims at using NGS microsatellite data to identify genomic regions subject to strong selective sweeps in natural populations of ecological model organisms, using microsatellites. For more information please see our web pages or contact Hans Ellegren (Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se).

4. PhD position: Speciation genomics in a famous avian hybrid zone
The hybrid zone between carrion and hooded crows (Corvus [corone] corone / cornix) is a text book example of incipient speciation that is well characterized from an ecological and behavioural perspective. We investigate its genetic architecture with a set of genomic tools currently including genome assembly, re-sequencing of several European populations and RNAseq-based transcriptome analyses. For more information please see our web pages or contact Jochen Wolf (Jochen.Wolf@ebc.uu.se).

5. PhD position: Sex differences in aging
Males and females differ with respect to lifespan and rate of aging in many animal species. Despite the generality of this phenomenon we still know very little of the factors that underlie these differences. This project will address this question using a combination of experimental evolution and quantitative genetics. The studies will be conducted utilizing the powerful model system of Drosophila melanogaster. For more information please see our web pages or contact Urban Friberg (Urban.Friberg@ebc.uu.se).

6. PhD position: Molecular evolution
A position for basic studies of molecular evolution using genomic or transcriptomic data is available where the precise direction of research will be decided together with the candidate and will depend on his/her interests and skills. See the list of publications from the host laboratory to get examples of on-going research in the lab. For more information please see our web pages or contact Hans Ellegren (Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se).

7. Postdoc position: Population genomics in a speciation model system
We have recently completed full genome sequencing of the collared flycatcher, an avian species that together with its sister species the pied flycatcher constitute a very useful model system for speciation research. There is a wealth of existing ecological information available for both species. Using further genome sequencing at population levels of the two species, this project will address demography, ancestral population sizes and modes of speciation. For more information please see our web pages or contact Hans Ellegren (Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se).

8. Postdoc position: Genomics of sex allocation changes
Plant mating system shifts are often associated with sex allocation changes, such as changes in the ratio of pollen to ovules. In this project, we will study the genetic architecture of sex allocation changes following a recent mating system shift. The project will utilize the emerging plant model system Capsella and involves genetic mapping and population genomic studies using next-generation sequencing data. For more information please see our web pages or contact Tanja Slotte (Tanja.Slotte@ebc.uu.se).

9. Postdoc position: Trans-generational epigenetic inheritance
Epigenetics plays a fundamental role in regulating gene expression. Epigenetic effects can also be transmitted across generations, and this form of inheritance may be far more common than previously believed. Whether trans-generational epigenetic inheritance plays a significant part in adaptive evolution is however not know. This project aims to explore this possibility using the model system of Drosophila melanogaster. For more information please see our web pages or contact Urban Friberg (Urban.Friberg@ebc.uu.se).

10. Post-doc position: Conservation genomics
Studies of population differentiation in relation to habitat fragmentation and assessment of inbreeding problems in endangered species require detailed genetic information. As a continuation of our previous conservation genetic studies of wolverines in northern Scandinavia, we will now determine the genome sequence of this species and assess the degree and character of genetic variability on a genomic scale. For more information please see our web pages or contact Hans Ellegren (Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se).

11. Post-doc position: Natural selection and DNA sequence evolution
Using whole-genome sequence data from multiple species within major vertebrate lineages, this project will address questions such as the relationships between life history characteristics and strength of selection, evolutionary constraint of different sequence categories and estimates of the genomic deleterious mutation rate. For more information please see our web pages or contact Hans Ellegren (Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se).

The venue for these positions, the Evolutionary Biology Centre, is situated in recently-built localities in central Uppsala. The working atmosphere is international with a regular recruitment of PhD students and post-docs from abroad. The Centre constitutes an exciting arena for multidisciplinary research in evolutionary biology in a broad sense, housing some 300 scientists and graduate students, and with research programs in ecology, systematics, genetics, genomics, functional genomics, and developmental biology. Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia and the city of Uppsala is a vibrant student town with beautiful surroundings conveniently situated close to Stockholm.



Prof Hans Ellegren
Dept of Evolutionary Biology
Evolutionary Biology Centre
Uppsala University
Norbyvagen 18D
SE-752 36 Uppsala
Sweden

Phone: +46-18-4716460
Email: Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se

LAB HOME PAGE: http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/evbiol/research/Ellegren/?languageId=3D1

UPPSALA BIOLOGY HOME PAGE: http://www.biology.uu.se

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