[SocBiN] PhD positions in Evolutionary Biology

[Krzysztof Bartoszek]

Please feel free to circulate if you think somebody could be interested!
Thank you
Krzysztof Bartoszek


Ph.D. opportunity in plant evolutionary biology

Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland


The Chair of Ecology and Environment Protection
(http://www.keib.umk.pl/?lang=en) is recruiting two PhD students
interested in studying evolution of morphological traits in plants at
various time scales. The goal of this project is to contribute towards
an understanding of how genetic architecture (the structure of
genotype to phenotype mapping) affects the evolution of quantitative
traits. According to quantitative genetics theory, the evolution of
phenotypic traits depends on the strength of selection and the amount
of genetic variation. However, part of this variation maybe
constrained by correlations with other traits that are under
conflicting selective regimes. In consequence, the ability to respond
to selection (evolvability) may be limited, even if a trait has high
heritability. However, the extent to which genetic architecture limits
phenotypic evolution remains an open question. Likewise, it is unknown
whether it affects evolution at the short time scale and is easily
overcome by selection, or if the genetic architecture is an important
long-term determinant of the direction of evolution. In this project
we aim to answer these questions using two plant species from the
family Apiaceae, Daucus carota and Ferula communis, as a model system.

This project will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Thomas
Hansen (University of Oslo) and dr Krzysztof Bartoszek (Uppsala
University).


PhD 1

Major tasks:

generate RADseq population data for Ferula communis and Daucus carota

delimit independently evolving lineages in Ferula communis and Daucus
carota species complexes

determine G-matrices for fruit and seedling traits based on molecular
data for several populations

estimate various measures of evolvability for Ferula and Daucus system


PhD 2

Major tasks:

phylogenetic analysis of various taxa from the family Apiaceae based
on RADseq data

establish a database of phenotypic traits (seedlings, fruits,
inflorescences and flowers), life history strategies and geographic
distributions for species from the family Apiaceae

estimate the rate of morphological trait evolution using phylogenetic
comparative methods

help in developing the R package mvSLOUCH dedicated to analysis of
multivariate Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models on phylogeny


The ideal candidate will have a background in molecular
biology/population genetics/phylogenetics, as well as experience
working with Linux and modern programming languages such as R.
Previous experience in generating and analysis of next-generation
sequencing data will be considered positively. A condition of the
application is a Master

degree (or equivalent) in biology or similar subjects.


The stipend for both positions is 3 000 PLN net monthly (app. 700
EURO) for three years. The living cost in Torun is low. For example, a
room in a student house (inc. Wi-Fi, kitchen, heating, hot water) is
app. 100 EURO monthly, loaf of bread 0.5 EURO, beer 0.5-0.7 EURO, beer
in pub 1-2 EURO, dinner in restaurant 5-8 EURO.


Nicolaus Copernicus University is located close to the medieval center
of Torun (http://www.visittorun.pl/) which is listed among UNESCO
World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. Torun is a dynamic academic
city and provides many opportunities for intellectual and cultural
stimulation. The Vistula river runs through town and is ideal for the
naturalists as many natural protected areas are located in its valley.


If you are interested, please send a CV, a short statement of your
research interests (max. one page) and the contact details of at least
one academic referee to Marcin Piwczynski (piwczyn at umk.pl). Feel free
to contact him by email for further information. Review of applicants
will start in the first week of January 2017. The positions will stay
open until filled.


Marcin Piwczynski

Chair of Ecology and Biogeography,

Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection,

Nicolaus Copernicus University

Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun

POLAND