Marie Curie Research training network (MRTN) SEXASEX - postdoctoral position available in molecular genetics

Researchers interested in the paradox of sex in evolutionary biology are
strongly encouraged to apply for a research position in the European Union
Marie Curie Research Training Network SEXASEX, which is co-ordinated by
Prof. Dr. Koen Martens, RBINSc, Brussels. One postdoctoral position remains
to be filled, out of a total of 10 positions. Criteria of eligibility
include: EU citizenship, less than 10 years for Experienced Researchers
(ER), and a willingness to work in a European country other than the
country of origin. We seek candidates who are enthusiastic about
evolutionary biology, travelling and living abroad, learning in a
multidisciplinary research environment and working in teams. This
appointment will be for 3 years.
The application of female candidates is especially encouraged; detailed
information on child care facilities at the different institutions will be
provided upon request. Aid can be sought if accompanying spouses also
require employment abroad.
Project overview:
Sex is the queen of evolutionary problems. It will be tackled by SEXASEX in
a multidisciplinary approach, providing training and transfer of knowledge
for a total of 360 person-months. 10 network researchers (6 young
researchers (YR) and 4 experienced researchers (ER)) will receive training
in 9 institutions across as many countries. A wide array of research tools
will provide excellent training opportunities, for example through
individual career development plans, individual tutoring and secondments,
which will be supplemented by participation in courses and external
workshops. Network-wide training will exploit the extensive experience of
the partner institutions through five courses and summer schools for all
network researchers. Complementary skills such as management and
communication (verbal, written) will be developed, and gender awareness
will be raised, in two network-wide meetings. The network's theoretical and
empirical research will apply 13 major approaches, including novel genetic
and cytogenetic approaches, intraspecific phylogeography, ecology,
behavioural studies, GIS analyses and theoretical modelling. With this
multidisciplinary toolkit, SEXASEX will investigate why sex exists at all,
given its evolutionary costs, using the model organism Eucypris virens, a
non-marine ostracod species with both sexual and asexual reproduction. What
determines its gender, what are the genomic consequences of long-term
asexuality, what is the cohesiveness of a species with mixed reproduction,
how do asexuals and sexuals compete and what is their historical
zoogeography? The pluralistic approach of SEXASEX is unique and timely,
using highly novel methodologies and dealing with cutting edge science
based on European excellence and tradition. Please refer to
http://www.naturalsciences.be/EVIRENS/ for more information.
postdoctoral position: Molecular Genetic and Cytogenetic approaches to the
causes and consequences of asexual reproduction.
Starting date: 1rst May 2005 or as soon as possible thereafter
Duration: 36 months
Salary: country-specific plus tax-free mobility allowance Scientists in charge: Dr Stefan Müller, Dr Renate Matzke, Germany Prof. Dr Jan Zima, Czech
Republic
Prof. Dr Roger Butlin, UK
Locations: München, Germany, Brno, Czech Republic & Sheffield, UK (12
months funded in each location but the final arrangements are open to
negotiation with the appointee)
Places of work: 1) Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München, Department
Biology II, Section Anthropology and Human Genetics & Dept. of Geo- and
Environmental Sciences, Section Palaeontology; 2) Academy of Science,
Institute of Vertebrate Biology & Charles University, Department of
Zoology; 3) University of Sheffield, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences Approach and methods to be applied: Sex determination mechanisms in
freshwater ostracods in general and in E. virens in particular remain
elusive: are they chromosome based (XY or XO systems), environmentally cued
or are other factors at play? What genetic changes underlie the transition
to asexual reproduction and what changes accumulate as a result of long
term asexuality? We will investigate these questions with a range of modern
genetic and cytogenetic approaches. Correlations between chromosomal
architecture and/or other cytological factors and reproductive mode will be
examined, using fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques. Gene
expression will be examined with Suppression Subtractive Hybridisation
(SSH). This will be used to search for genes that are expressed differently
in sexual females and asexual females (from young or old lineages) to
identify genes involved in the transition to asexual reproduction and the
long term consequences. Males and females will also be compared to
complement chromosomal approaches to sex determination and control of
reproductive mode in Eucypris virens.
Methodology in Munich and Brno/Prague: Classical and molecular cytogenetics
of ostracods: production of molecular probes, chromosome banding and
differential staining techniques, fluorescence in situ hybridization
(FISH), comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH), chromosome micro-dissection. Methodology in Sheffield: Gene expression in ostracods (DNA and RNA
extraction, PCR and related methods, SSH, cloning, sequencing,
Southern/Northern blots).
Candidate profile: PhD or equivalent in Genetics, Molecular Biology or
Evolutionary Biology; experience in molecular genetics (experience of
working with RNA would be an advantage); strong track record of successful
practical application of a range of molecular techniques and publication of
results. Cytogenetic experience would be valuable but training can be
provided. A background in invertebrate zoology is desirable but not essential. Only non-German, non-Czech and non-British persons are eligible.
Send full applications, comprising letter of interest, CV and coordinates
of at least two potential referees before the 18th of March 2005 to
Dr Isa Schön,
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences,
Freshwater biology, Vautierstraat 29,
B-1000 Brussels,
Belgium
E-mail (Isa.schoen@naturalsciences.be)
Fax : +32 2 62 74 113.
Correspondence by email is preferred.


Dr Isa Schön
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
Freshwater Biology
Vautierstraat 29
B - 1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel.: + 32 2 62 74 312
Fax : + 32 2 62 74 113

Behind every gifted mother is a rather talented baby.
isa.schoen@naturalsciences.be