The Botigue lab for “Genomics of ancient crops and domestication” in
the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) in Barcelona is
offering a PhD position under the La Caixa Foundation INPhINIT Programme
to work on the genomic analysis of archaeological dog remains from
Europe spanning from the Neolithic up to the Roman Period with the goal
to understand population dynamics within the continent and gene flow
during that period.
DEADLINE
4 February 2020 (Incoming modality)
26 February 2020 (Retaining modality)
TITLE: Genomic analysis of archaeological dog remains from Europe.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The European continent has played a major role in dog domestication. A
recent genomic analysis of Neolithic dogs from Germany (Botigue et
al. 2017 Nature Communications), though revealing genetic continuity,
showed complex admixture patterns, including gene flow from a population
similar to modern Indian dogs. Additionally, studies examining
the mitochondrial genome of ancient and modern dogs have detected a
replacement in Europe that took place some time between the Neolithic and
the Middle Age. In the present project we plan to unravel this complex
demographic scenario of prehistoric European dogs by analysing the genome
of more than 30 ancient dog samples from the Iberian Peninsula and Germany
from a period of over 4,000 years spanning from the Neolithic up to the
Roman Empire. Analysis of the whole genome and the mitochondrial genome
will be performed to determine the main demographic events that shaped
dog populations during that period. Population structure and admixture
will be studied in ancient dogs in the context of modern dog variation.
As a result, we will provide for the first time insights into the genetic
structure, variability and admixture of dog populations in Europe over
a period of 4 millennia, prior the generation of breeds. Results will
elucidate demographic events surrounding dog prehistory in Europe and
their relationship with humans migrating through the continent.
JOB POSITION DESCRIPTION
The dearth and the ambition of the current project are ideal for a
PhD candidate. We are therefore looking for a highly motivated student
seeking to pursue his doctoral studies and specialise in genomics and
bioinformatics by analysing whole genome sequenced data, including that
from archaeological samples. The student will receive extensive training
in a broad range of skills, including theoretical population genetics
and biostatistics, learning concepts such as population structure,
admixture and adaptation, and recognize the footprints these processes
leave in the genome. Additionally, the student will also learn how to
model demographic inference, gaining knowledge about coalescent theory
and computational simulations. In order to analyse genomic data,
the student will learn how to use and develop bioinformatic tools.
This project is an international collaboration with researchers from
the United States and Germany, so stays abroad are granted, giving the
student a chance to meet and work with peers and learn new skills from
renowned population geneticists. Opportunities to assist international
meetings and present the research done will also be granted throughout
the PhD. The PhD will be performed in CRAG'S Plant and Animal Genomics
programme. During the first year of their studies, students receive
teaching on state-of-the art technologies offered by the Core Units
and Scientific Services of CRAG, such as genomics and next generation
sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. The student
will also be able to attend internal and external seminars at CRAG and
improve her oratory skills by giving seminars regularly. By the end of
the PhD, the student will have become a population geneticist specialised
in the analysis of modern and ancient genomes with a strong computational
background and a wide network of peers.
REQUIREMENTS
The doctoral fellowship programme INPhINIT “la Caixa” is devoted to
attracting talented Early-Stage Researchers—of any nationality—who
wish to pursue doctoral studies in Spanish or Portuguese territory.
The doctoral INPhINIT fellowships offer a highly competitive salary
and complementary opportunities for training on transferrable skills
(through the collaboration of leading entities such as Vitae and Oxentia),
temporary stays in industry, incentives upon completion of the thesis,
among other elements that make these fellowships some of the most
attractive and complete in Europe.
CONTACT
For questions about the position and further information
about the project, contact Laura Botigué, Email:
laura.botigue@cragenomica.es
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be done using La Caixa INPhINIT online application
system . Please follow the link below to obtain further information
about the PhD position and how to access the online application system:
https://obrasociallacaixa.org/en/investigacion-y-becas/becas-de-la-caixa/doctorado-inphinit/descripcion-del-programa
