Graduate student position available at the Department of Evolutionary biology, Uppsala University

Graduate student position available at the Department of Evolutionary biology, Uppsala University

A graduate student position in Evolutionary Genetics/genomics is available at the Department of Evolutionary Biology at Uppsala University. This position offers an opportunity to explore a wide
range of evolutionary paradigms, from the genomic consequences of selfing vs outcrossing, to the early steps in the evolution of sex chromosomes.

Our research group uses the filamentous ascomycete genus Neurospora as a model system. Neurospora is well suited for studies on reproductive systems since its closely related species exhibit a wide spectrum of reproductive behavior. Furthermore, we use the mating-type chromosome of Neurospora tetrasperma as a simple, general, model for studies of the early evolution of sex chromosomes from autosomes. It shares features with the complex sex chromosomes found in the animal and plant kingdom, but is not affected by complex sex-biased
evolutionary forces such as sexual selection and male biased mutation rate.

The PhD-project can be developed after the interest of the applicant, but should preferably involve large scale SNP-typing and/or high throughput sequencing of natural populations of Neurospora.

The Program in Evolutionary Biology (http://www.egs.uu.se/evbiol/
index.html) is situated in the Evolutionary Biology Centre in central Uppsala. The working atmosphere is international with English as working language. The Evolutionary Biology Centre constitutes an exciting arena for multidisciplinary research in evolutionary biology in a broad sense, with research programs including ecology, systematics, genetics, genomics, and developmental biology. Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia and the city of
Uppsala is a vibrant student town with beautiful surroundings conveniently situated 40 minutes with train from Stockholm.

Required qualifications for applicants are 1) a MSc in Biology, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology or related field, 2) experience in one or several of the following areas: bioinformatics, population genetics, evolutionary biology, genetics, microbiology, mycology, and 3) demonstrated communication skills in English.

The position is for four years. Start date fall 2009. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To apply, send NO LATER THAN APRIL 15: your CV, including contact information for two references, and a cover letter stating your research interest to: Dr Hanna Johannesson, hanna.johannesson@ebc.uu.se.