Project description: In this project you will study genome evolution of early land plants. While mosses represent one of the first groups of land plants, fossil records as well as biogeographic distributions suggest a very slow rate of morphological evolution. Based on these observations, and that more than 90% of moss species present at the end of the Tertiary seem to be present today, mosses have been characterised as “unchanging sphinxes of the past”. The reasons for these observations are unknown, but it has been suggested that the evolutionary potential of bryophytes is limited by a low rate of molecular evolution. A major part of the project will be devoted to comparative studies of a number of moss genomes to answer this question. Other sub-projects are focused on the molecular evolution of specific mechanisms e.g., circadian clock mechanisms, the genetics of adaptation in early land plants, and phylogenetic studies.
An important part of your work will include statistical and genome analyses of large DNA sequence data sets from a number of moss genomes, most of which have not been sequenced before. In addition, molecular and experimental studies of specific pathways and phenotypic traits may be included. The exact work-plan of the thesis will be settled together with the doctoral student. The PhD student will be based in the group of Ulf Lagercrantz at the Evolutionary Biology Center. (http://www.ebc.uu.se/
Qualifications: An MSc degree of equivalent in a relevant field is required. We seek a highly motivated student with thorough education and strong interest in evolutionary genetics/genomics, and population genetics. Previous experience with modern sequencing methods, bioinformatics, and statistics is advantageous. We are looking for individuals who can work independently but also as part of a team. Candidates must be fluent in English (orally and written). The successful candidate will receive her/his postgraduate training within the postgraduate school at the Evolutionary Biology Centre (http://www.ebc.uu.se/?
Conditions: The postgraduate training comprises four years of full time studies. The successful candidate will receive a postgraduate fellowship the first year (15500SEK/month) and a postgraduate position year 2-4 (22400-25100 SEK/month). The position can be combined with up to 20% of teaching assistantship, which will then prolong the position accordingly. Please feel free to contact Ulf Lagercrantz (ulf.lagercrantz@ebc.uu.se, ) for more information. Union representatives are Anders Grundström, Saco-rådet, tel. och Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, tel. , Stefan Djurström, Seko, tel. .
How to apply: Please prepare a letter of intent including descriptions of 1) your motivation for PhD studies in general and for this position in particular, 2) your education, especially in evolutionary biology, genetics/genomics/
http://www.uu.se/jobb/phd-
Ulf Lagercrantz
Dept. of Plant Ecology and Evolution
Evolutionary Biology Centre
Uppsala Universtity
Norbyv. 18D
SE-752 36 Uppsala
Sweden
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