Postdoc position: Genomic transitions between modes of sex-determination
Fixed term, full-time, 3 years
Based at the University of Tasmania, Hobart
PROJECT THEME
Sex-determination controls the most significant variation within animals
- the division into males and females. While the different systems
of sex-determination involving genetic or environmental control are
relatively well understood, transitions between these systems remain
enigmatic in evolutionary biology. This project aims to address this gap
by revealing the genomic changes required to transition between modes,
using one of only two known lizard species exhibiting both genetic
and temperature control of sex. This knowledge will have important
implications for species conservation, facilitating predictions of
highly biased sex ratios under climate change, plus potential commercial
applications for species where the production of one sex is favoured.
A Postdoc position is available to contribute to this research. The
postdoc will perform advanced genomic and transcriptomic sequencing of
species of Australian lizards to identify the genomic changes accompanying
transitions between genetic and temperature-dependent sex determination.
This collaborative research project is funded by an Australian Research
Council Discovery Project grant awarded to the University of Tasmania
(Assoc Profs Erik Wapstra and Chris Burridge), the University of Canberra
(Prof Tariq Ezaz), and the University of Vienna (Prof. Oleg Simakov). This
Postdoc will be based at the University of Tasmania, but will also work
closely with Prof Simakov at the University of Vienna and a PhD student
conducting related cytogenetic studies at the University of Canberra.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is expected to have knowledge in relevant aspects
of genomics (e.g. NGS genome and transcriptome sequencing, mapping,
screening for orthologs and homologs, assembly, annotation). Knowledge of
sex determination is also desirable. The candidate will be self-motivated
and well-organised, with a demonstrated capacity to learn and apply the
broad skill set necessary for the successful completion of a research
project. The successful candidate will be able to work alongside a wide
variety of people in multi-function and multicultural laboratories. The
successful candidate will also have a strong commitment and demonstrated
excellence in research and research communication.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
A PhD, and experience in a relevant research area
Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in areas such as NGS genome and
transcriptome sequencing, mapping, screening for orthologs and homologs,
and genome assembly and annotation.
A demonstrated record of publication of scientific research in
high-ranking international peer-review journals
Desirable
Knowledge of sex determination systems
Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in phylogenetics, trait mapping,
and ancestral state reconstruction
The position is open to all nationalities. There is the potential
to start this project remotely (i.e., outside Australia), given the
nature of the project, desired start time (late 2020, early 2021) and
the current challenges of international travel to Australia.
REMUNERATION
Appointment to this role will be at approximately $AUS 75,075 p.a.,
plus superannuation
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, responses to
the selection criteria listed above, and contact details of 2 potential
referees to: chris.burridge@utas.edu.au
Applications will close Oct 16, 2020
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information about the position please contact
chris.burridge@utas.edu.au
