PhD in evolution of mammalian organ morphology (Finland)

PhD position: University of Helsinki Institute of Biotechnology Organ Evolution and development. The Developmental Biology Program of the University of Helsinki is seeking to recruit a M.S. student to start a PhD and participate in investigations on the evolution of mammalian organ morphology. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop an independent project within the scope of the core research interests of the lab.

The project involves using computational models of organ development that relate genetic variation with complex organ 3D multivariate morphological variation. The patterns of morphological evolution between and whithin mammalian species would be analyzed from these models to understand the roles of natural selection and development in explaining the direction of evolutionary change. The Jukka Jernvall and Salazar-Ciudad groups include a diverse group of researchers (paleontologists, developmental biologists, genomics, functional morphologists and computational biologists) working together to integrate development, natural selection and the patterns of morphological variation in mammalian organ evolution.

Applicants should possess a strong understanding of basic principles of evolutionary biology (developed through coursework and/or research experience), an interest or understanding of the bases of the developmental bases of morphological variation and the ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team. Additional desirable qualities include programming skills or a willingness to acquire them and a good academic record.

Interested persons should contact Dr. Isaac Salazar Ciudad by email (isaac.salazar@helsinki.fi), including a brief statement of research interests, and a CV. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The project involves spending some time with collaborators in Barcelona and close collaboration with Jukka Jernvall's group (http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/evodevo/index.shtml). For an outline of the groups research: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/evodevo/group_isaac.shtml

Article exemple: Salazar-Ciudad I, Jernvall J.A computational model of teeth and the developmental origins of morphological variation. Nature. 2010 Mar 25;464(7288):583-6.