Phd in Cichlid morphological evolution (UK)

Exciting opportunities exist at the University of Glasgow to investigate the genetic and developmental basis of adaptive morphological divergence. Specifically, using the dramatic adaptive radiation of Malawi cichlids, the genetic basis of continuous and complex craniofacial phenotypes will be examined from a number of perspectives. The speed at which this evolutionary radiation has occurred means that closely related species exhibiting different phenotypes can be readily compared. Many species are available for experiments and a newly renovated state of the art facility for rearing cichlids exists on the Glasgow campus. A student would form a project that will take advantage of an interdisciplinary supervisory team which includes Dr. Quentin Fogg (Anatomy), Prof. Elizabeth Tanner (Biomedical Engineering), and spans basic evolutionary biology, development, genetics, anatomy, and engineering. Therefore, this project will involve a broad range of training and we seek an enthusi
 astic student with a willingness to learn techniques and theoretical principles from a wide range of fields. Opportunities for travel to other labs will exist with collaborators (Dr. R. Craig Albertson) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA.

Applicants will normally be expected to reside (or have residency) within the UK. EU nationals will have to demonstrate that they have spent the three years prior to application resident in the UK (this can include residence whilst undertaking undergraduate study). Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain a 2:1 or 1st Class Honours degree in a relevant subject. The financial package will include a 3.5 year stipend, approved University of Glasgow fees, Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) and a conference allowance.

Interested students should contact Dr. Kevin Parsons (Kevin.Parsons@glasgow.ac.uk) and eventually be prepared to provide a CV, two references, and other supporting degree documents. Applications will begin to reviewed on December 16th 2013. This project would be funding by the MRC for a duration of 3.5 years.