[SocBiN] PHD Position in bacterial experimental and genomic evolution (University of Bern)

[josephine.daub at iee.unibe.ch]

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PhD position in bacterial experimental and genomic evolution ============================================================
 
A PhD position is available for 3 years at the University of Berne to investigate the effect of range expansions on the genomic diversity and fitness of bacteria. 
 
Theoretical and simulation results suggest that spatially expanding populations should accumulate non-neutral mutations at a higher rate than stationary populations through the mechanism of gene surfing. The present research project aims at verifying these predictions in bacteria. 
 
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD student to perform and analyse the output of a series of experiments with bacteria, measure their fitness at various stages of their expansions, analyse the evolution of their genome by Next Generation Sequencing, and study the effects of the accumulated mutations. These analyses will be done in close collaboration with Prof. Martin Ackermann in ETH Zurich. The candidate is expected to have some background in microbiology and a good grasp of evolutionary concepts. Additional knowledge in population genetics, bioinformatics and statistics (e.g. R) will be a plus. 
 
The gross starting salary is about 3,000 CHF per month (plus an additional 13th month) and will follow the Swiss NSF progression scale. The CMPG lab offers an international and very stimulating research environment. It is affiliated to the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and to several doctoral schools offering further education for PhD students. Berne is ideally located in the middle of Switzerland and Europe, and provides rich cultural and outdoor activities. 
 
Please send before February 28 2013, an application letter stating your motivation for the position, a CV, and contact information of two references to laurent.excoffier at iee.unibe.ch. Position starts in March 2013. 
For more information see our website: www.cmpg.iee.unibe.ch.