Advances in large-scale genomics open new opportunities in speciation research. It allows us to address questions such as the genes underlying the process of speciation, the character of genomic divergence during speciation, and speciation-with-gene-flow. Flycatchers of the genus Ficedula offer an excellent model system for studies of these and related questions (see e.g. Nature 387:589-592, 411:45-50, Science 318:95-97). We have recently sequenced and de novo assembled the flycatcher genome (at 85x coverage and with a scaffold N50 of 7.3 Mb) and performed genome-wide re-sequencing of multiple individuals (each at 5x coverage) of the two closely related species collared flycatcher and pied flycatcher (Nature, in press; doi:10.1038/nature11584). By this we have identified a number of 'divergence islands', many of which are associated with centromeres and telomeres, potentially indicating a role for meiotic drive in species divergence. We are now seeking new PhD students to joi
n this project in which coming research will use data from whole-genome re-sequencing of multiple populations (sympatric as well as allopatric) and species, from a 50K SNP array (genotyping in pedigrees and population samples) and from the flycatcher transcriptome and methylome. Genomic parameters that will be analyzed include, for example, recombination rates, linkage disequilibrium, expression divergence, and epigenetic modification. The precise direction of studies will be decided together with the successful candidates.
The venue for these positions, the Evolutionary Biology Centre, is situated in recently-built localities in central Uppsala. The working atmosphere is international with a regular recruitment of PhD students and post-docs from abroad. The Centre constitutes an exciting arena for multidisciplinary research in evolutionary biology in a broad sense, housing some 300 scientists and graduate students, and with research programs in, for example, ecology, genetics, genomics and developmental biology. The scientific environment with numerous seminars, journal clubs and social activities offer excellent possibilities for contacts and collaborations, and represents an ideal training for students to become leading evolutionary biologists of the future. A graduate school in 'The Genomics of Phenotypic Diversity in Natural Populations' (http://www.ebc.uu.se/
eration sequencing (http://www.scilifelab.uu.se) and high-performance computational analyses (http://www.uppmax.uu.se) ensure immediate access to state-of-the-art technology. Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia and the city of Uppsala is a vibrant student town with beautiful and easy accessible surroundings conveniently situated close to Stockholm.
The positions, which are funded by a European Research Council Advanced Investigator Grant, are affiliated with the Department of Evolutionary Biology - an overview of the research activities in the environment can be found at our web pages (http://www.ebc.uu.se/
The fully-funded (salary, research and travel expenses) PhD positions are for four years.
Applicants must hold a Master degree, or are to obtain a degree this academic year, in evolutionary biology, genetics or bioinformatics, or in related disciplines. Successful candidates are expected to display enthusiasm, curiosity, creativity and dedication to the project. Informal inquiries and applications should be sent by email to Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se. Applicants must provide a CV, a statement of research interests and the name and contact details of at least two references. The positions remain open until filled.
Professor Hans Ellegren
Department of Evolutionary Biology
Evolutionary Biology Centre
Uppsala University
Norbyvägen 18D
SE-752 36 Uppsala
Sweden
Email: Hans.Ellegren@ebc.uu.se
LAB WEB PAGE: http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/
