Mobile DNA is DNA that can change its position within a genome. It is an integral component of most bacterial genomes, and also implicated in the spreading of drug resistance genes among pathogenic bacteria. Why does mobile DNA persist in genomes? On one hand, mobile DNA may be a very effective parasite, replicating itself at the expense of its host. On the other hand, mobile DNA can also have beneficial effects, such as occasionally beneficial mutations. An ongoing project in our group aims at resolving the question why mobile DNA is maintained in bacterial genomes and in eukaryotic genomes. Despite thirty years of debate, the question still has no conclusive answer. The availability of many completely sequenced genomes provides a unique opportunity to remedy this situation. We are searching for a Ph.D. student with demonstrable experience and interest in evolutionary biology and a solid background in bioinformatics.
The Wagner lab at the University of Zurich studies biological evolution on all levels of organization, from genes, genomes, and genetic networks to whole organisms. A sample of our research can be found at http://www.biochem.unizh.ch/wagner/.Lab members are a group with very diverse backgrounds and research projects, unified by their interests in evolution and /or fundamental organizational principles of life.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in bioinformatics and computational biology. Fluency in a major scripting language such as perl, and experience in software development is a must. Also necessary is a strong background in biology. We are looking for an individual with a Masters Degree or equivalent, who is highly self-motivated and independent, and has demonstrated interests in problems of molecular evolution. The working language in the laboratory is English. German skills are not essential.
Zurich is a highly attractive city in beautiful surroundings, with a multinational population, and many educational and recreational opportunities.
To be considered, please send a single (!) PDF file containing a CV including publication list (if available), a scanned academic transcript (list of grades in university courses), a statement of research interests not exceeding two pages, and three references to jobs_aw@bioc.unizh.ch. Please include the word “MOBDNA” in the subject line. The application deadline is April 23, 2007.
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Prof. Dr. Andreas Wagner
University of Zurich
Dept. of Biochemistry, Bldg. Y27
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH-8057 Zurich
Switzerland
Secr. (Christiane Gujan): +41-44-635-6142
Office: +41-44-635-6141
FAX: +41-44-635-6144
Email: aw@bioc.unizh.ch
Web: http://www.biochem.unizh.ch/wagner/
aw@bioc.unizh.ch
The Wagner lab at the University of Zurich studies biological evolution on all levels of organization, from genes, genomes, and genetic networks to whole organisms. A sample of our research can be found at http://www.biochem.unizh.ch/wagner/.Lab members are a group with very diverse backgrounds and research projects, unified by their interests in evolution and /or fundamental organizational principles of life.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in bioinformatics and computational biology. Fluency in a major scripting language such as perl, and experience in software development is a must. Also necessary is a strong background in biology. We are looking for an individual with a Masters Degree or equivalent, who is highly self-motivated and independent, and has demonstrated interests in problems of molecular evolution. The working language in the laboratory is English. German skills are not essential.
Zurich is a highly attractive city in beautiful surroundings, with a multinational population, and many educational and recreational opportunities.
To be considered, please send a single (!) PDF file containing a CV including publication list (if available), a scanned academic transcript (list of grades in university courses), a statement of research interests not exceeding two pages, and three references to jobs_aw@bioc.unizh.ch. Please include the word “MOBDNA” in the subject line. The application deadline is April 23, 2007.
--
Prof. Dr. Andreas Wagner
University of Zurich
Dept. of Biochemistry, Bldg. Y27
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH-8057 Zurich
Switzerland
Secr. (Christiane Gujan): +41-44-635-6142
Office: +41-44-635-6141
FAX: +41-44-635-6144
Email: aw@bioc.unizh.ch
Web: http://www.biochem.unizh.ch/wagner/
aw@bioc.unizh.ch
