Each position is for two years with the possibility of extension for two more years
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 postdocs to join t
his long-term 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. Successful candidates will have the possibility to choose among several possible directions of research, in dialogue with the host.
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. A graduate school in 'The Genomics of Phenotypic Diversity in Natural Populations' (http://www.ebc.uu.se/
w.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/
Suitable background to these positions is a PhD geared toward speciation genetics, population genetics or bioinformatics. Experience from bioinformatic analyses of next-generation sequencing data is of merit. Competition might be fierce so 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. Starting date is flexible.
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/
