Two positions as PhD Research fellow in Evolutionary Developmental Biology is available at the Department of Biosciences. The fellowship will be for a period of up to 4 years, with 25 % compulsory work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at Department of Biosciences) if the Department finds the candidate suited. Otherwise, the fellowship will be for a period of up to 3 years, with no compulsory work. Starting date no later than 01.10.2014. Job/ project description: The two positions are part of an initiative to strengthen research in evolutionary developmental biology (Evodevo) at the University of Oslo. The position will be associated with the Centre for Epigenetics, Development and Evolution (CEDE, mn.uio.no/ibv/evogene/cede/) , which is a prioritized research area at the Department of Biosciences. The main objectives of the PhD projects is to 1) develop mathematical or statistical models of the genotype-phenotype map in the context of evolutionary developmental biology, and 2) to understand the developmental basis of hybridization barriers in eukaryote systems and diversification processes at the species level. Position 1 PhD Research Fellow in (Theoretical ) evolutionary developmental biology A core concept of evodevo is the genotype-phenotype (GP) map, which connects genetic variation to phenotypic variation and to potential for evolutionary change. The aim of the project is to develop or investigate models of the GP map that can be related to specific biological study systems or specific evolutionary questions investigated by the group. There is considerable flexibility as to the exact topics, and the interests of the candidate will be important in defining the study objects. The project should include mathematical or statistical modeling aimed at understanding how properties of the GP map determines variational phenomena such as integration, modularity, canalization, plasticity, robustness, pleiotropy and epistasis. These properties can then be linked to evolutionary topics such as evolvability, constraints and reproductive isolation. These models can be abstract or linked to specific biological systems. The latter may take the form of causally-cohesive models in which lower-level physiological or developmental parameters are given an articulated and ideally empirically-based connection to the genotype, and higher-level phenotypes are emerging from a mathematical model of the physiology. The modeling can focus on gene regulation, cell-cell communication, epigenetics or physiological and developmental mechanisms. The successful candidate will receive training in mathematical and statistical modeling and in the field of evolutionary developmental biology and epigenetics. The supervisor of the theoretical aspects will be professor Thomas F. Hansen. In addition the candidate will work with one or more members of the group in relation to specific questions or study systems. For a complete list of members in the group see mn.uio.no/ibv/evogene/cede. Candidate study systems include epigenetics, development and gene-regulation networks in Arabidopsis (Reidunn Aalen, Melinka Butenko, Paul E. Grini), bryozoan polymorphism and colony development (Lee Hsiang Liow), evolution of multicellularity (Kamran Shalchian- Tabrizi), consequences of hybridization or the evodevo of bill-shape variation (Glenn-Peter Sætre). Position 2 PhD Research Fellow in evolutionary developmental biology An ultimate effect of phenotypic change is speciation, which represents the branching of the three of life. We would like to understand the mechanistic basis (genetic and epigenetic) as well as the phenotypic consequence leading to post-zygotic barriers, and subsequently possible speciation, across eukaryote lineages. Hence, genetic and epigenetic approaches are combined with ecological and evolutionary thinking to understand diversification processes of life. We have established the genus Arabidopsis and Passer sparrows as model systems for addressing the underlying processes of phenotypic evolution and speciation. Genetic (developmental) incompatibilities that reduce gene flow between taxa (hybrid fertility and viability) and traits reducing the probability of hybridization (timing of breeding, habitat and mating preference) are important in both systems. Aspects of our research focus on the transition between microevolutionary change and macroevolutionary patterns. A current hypothesis suggests that some imprinted genes in plants are involved in ploidy sensing and may be part of an epigenetically based post-zygotic barrier that could influence speciation processes. In crosses between different Arabidopsis species, homeobox genes are highly upregulated by epigenetic mechanisms. The developmental changes leading to embryonic failure have, however, not been studied in detail, and the mechanistic basis (genetic and epigenetic) is unknown. In this project, we will compare phenotypic developmental changes with gene activity and parental specific gene expression in different combinations of Arabidopsis hybrids. Furthermore, we will explore the relation between the phenotypic and genotypic basis for hybrid barriers and genome dosage. Results obtained can be used to understand the developmental basis of hybridization barriers in other eukaryote systems and diversification processes at the species level. Supervisors are Associate Professor Paul E. Grini, Associate Professor Anne K. Brysting, Professor Glenn- Peter Sætre and members of CEDE. Requirements/qualifications: The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials. Position 1. Applicants must hold a Masters degree or equivalent in biology, biomathematics, biostatistics or bioinformatics). Candidates should have strong quantitative skills and interests, and a general interest in evolutionary developmental biology. Training in mathematics or statistics is an advantage but not required. Prior experience in evolutionary or developmental biology is an advantage, and the candidate may be required to do some programming. Position 2. Applicants must hold a Masters degree or equivalent in Molecular Genetics. The ideal candidate should have experience with the use of Arabidopsis in genetic and epigenetic studies and can document experience with plant reproduction and gene expression studies. For both positions we particularly seek a candidates that will be able to work with several members of the CEDE group, and that can act as good catalyst for collaborative work. Candidates without a Masters degree have until 30 June, 2014, to complete the final exam. A good command of English is required. The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The fellowships require admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD program must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see: uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/phd/application/ mn.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/phdprogramme/ index.html Salary: Position code 1017, pay grade: 50 - 57 (NOK 421 100 â 473 400 per year) The application must include: Application letter including a statement of interests CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications) Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendationList of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee * Documents of English profiency mn.uio.no/english/research/d octoral-degree-and- career/regulations/proficiency-requirements.html * Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number) Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their Universitys grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language. In accordance with the University of Oslos equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity. UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results. * Region: * Oslo * Job type: * Contract * Working hours: * Full-time * Working days: * Day * Application deadline: * 20 April, 2014 * Location: * Oslo * Reference number: * 2014/3337 * Home page: * mn.uio.no/ibv/ * Contacts: * Associate Professor Paul E. Grini Telephone: +47 22854574 * Professor Thomas F Hansen Telephone: +47 22854521
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:16:31 +0000
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