[Socbin] PhD position in avian genomics available at Uppsala University

[Jochen Wolf]

PhD position in speciation genomics of a non-model bird species

A 4-year PhD position in speciation genomics is available in the research
group of Dr. Jochen Wolf at the Department of Evolutionary Biology in
Uppsala, Sweden.

Background
The study of speciation mechanisms remains one of the major challenges in
fundamental biological research. The hybrid zone in Europe between Carrion
Crows (Corvus [corone] corone) and Hooded Crows (Corvus [corone] cornix) is
a text book example of speciation that has been studied from ecological,
behavioral, and morphological perspectives. In contrast, the genetic
architecture of the hybrid zone is poorly understood. The crow system
represents a case of a very early phase of species divergence that requires
new molecular approaches for its comprehensive description. 

The project
We use several approaches to understand the underlying genetic foundation of
this hybrid zone and to identify the few decisive genetic differences
between the two taxa. These include a candidate (pigmentation) gene
approach, whole genome shotgun sequencing and digital expression analysis.

The successful applicant ideally has a strong background in bioinformatics
and experience in handling large sequencing data sets. She/he will be highly
involved in de novo assembly of paired end shotgun sequence reads using a
combination of Illumina and Roche 454 technology to obtain a first draft of
the crow genome. This draft sequence will then be used as a reference for
re-sequencing several populations and to conduct population genomic
analyses. Therefore, the project also requires a fundamental understanding
of population genetic theory.

The candidate will also be involved in handling transcriptome data from
crows that are currently being raised in a common garden setup.   At a later
stage in the project it wil also be possible to analyze transcriptome data
from a separate project on mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Given the
interest, the transcriptome work also offers the opportunity for the
candidate to gain experience in the lab including the preparation of
barcoded cDNA libraries for several sequencing platforms.

Environment

My group forms part of a recently launched Centre of Excellence, the Uppsala
Centre for Evolution and Genomics (http://www.uceg.uu.se). It is situated in
the Department of Evolutionary Biology, which excels in many aspects of
genetics and evolution. The department offers an inspiring international
atmosphere, with researchers from around the world. My group also closely
interacts with other groups across departmental boundaries to exchange ideas
about good solutions for handling next generation sequencing data
(http://www.egs.uu.se/evbiol/Persons/Jochen/NGS_Club.html). We also
collaborate on research projects with the Max Planck Institute of
Ornithology in Radolfzell, Germany and the Max Planck Institute of
Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany. 

The Evolutionary Biology Centre is one of world’s leading research
institutions in evolutionary biology and encompasses a wide variety of
disciplines in the biological sciences. It is situated in Uppsala in Sweden,
a beautiful small city of that offers rich opportunities in cultural and
outdoor activities. The culture and activities of the city are strongly
influenced by the 40 000 students living there. 


Application
To apply, please send a letter describing your research experience and
interests, a CV, and two letters of recommendation to Dr. Jochen Wolf at
jochen.wolf at ebc.uu.se. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable
candidate has been found. For further information visit the group’s website
(http://www.egs.uu.se/evbiol/Persons/Jochen.html) or contact me directly.
Informal inquiries are welcome.

_________________
Dr. Jochen Brock Wacain Wolf
Department of Evolutionary Biology
Evolutionary Biology Centre
Uppsala University
Norbyvägen 18D
SE-752 36 Uppsala
Sweden 
 
phone: ++46 18 471 6468
fax:   ++46 18 471 6310
http://www.egs.uu.se/evbiol/Persons/Jochen.html