PhD:Genomics and ecology of rodent and parasite speciation (Switzerland)

Genomics and ecology of rodent and parasite speciation

PhD position, 3 years

Applications are invited for a PhD project investigating the processes and
consequences of evolutionary divergence and hybridization in rodents and
their effects on associated parasites. The project will combine fieldwork
and genomic analyses of vole hybrid zones with investigations on the
evolutionary ecology of rodent-borne viruses and other parasites. Our
approaches bridge the fields of molecular ecology, evolutionary genomics
and epidemiology, and aim to better understand the drivers of explosive
speciation in Microtus, a prime example of very rapid evolutionary
divergence in mammals.

I am seeking a highly-motivated candidate with excellent organizational
skills who is able to work independently as well as in a team. The ideal
candidate has a solid background in evolutionary biology, practical
experience with modern molecular laboratory work and analysis methods
in population genetics and phylogenetics. Experience with fieldwork
on small mammals is not essential. Experience with R-programming,
next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics is a plus. A Master
degree in a relevant field such as evolution, genetics, or similar,
and a valid driver's license is required. Good knowledge of written and
spoken English is expected. The project includes periods of fieldwork and
laboratory analyses abroad, and the writing of several manuscripts for
leading journals in the field. Some knowledge of German or French would
be beneficial for living in Switzerland but it is not essential. The
working language in our institute is English.

The CMPG offers a stimulating research environment with excellent research
facilities. We are also part of the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
(SIB). Information on the research group and the University of Bern,
or life here in general can be obtained from www.cmpg.iee.unibe.ch and
http://bern.ch/.

The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation for three
years, and the anticipated starting date is February 1st 2014. Please
send your application including a letter outlining your past research
experience and particular motivation for this position (max. 2 pages),
CV, list of publications (if available), abstract of Master or Diploma
thesis and contact details of 2-3 referees in a single (!) pdf file
to gerald.heckel@iee.unibe.ch For full consideration, your application
should be received before November 22 2013.



PD Dr. Gerald Heckel

Computational and Molecular Population Genetics (CMPG)
Institute of Ecology and Evolution
University of Bern
Baltzerstrasse 6
CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
Tel: +41 31 631 30 29
Fax: +41 31 631 48 88
Email: gerald.heckel@iee.unibe.ch
http://www.cmpg.iee.unibe.ch

Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)
http://www.isb-sib.ch/groups/Computational_Population_Genetics.htm