A full PhD position in biology is open for applications, at the
Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences for the project:
Evolution of reproductive barriers in sympatric Arctic charr morphs:
http://luvs.hi.is/phd_position_evolution_reproductive_barri…
How is phenotypic integrity maintained in the face of gene flow? What
is the effect of hybridization on development and fitness? What are the
molecular mechanisms behind hybrid incompatibilities? These and related
questions will be addressed by a team of researchers, and a capable PhD
student responding to this advertisement.
The project The Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) of Lake Thingvallavatn
is ideally suited to address these questions. The Lake was formed
at the end of the last glacial epoch just 11-10 thousand years ago
and despite its young age it now harbors four morphs of Arctic charr,
whose distinct variation in life history characteristics, behavior and
trophic morphology suggest rapid adaptive diversification, possibly
followed by or causing build-up of reproductive barriers. The focus
of this project will be on the two smaller Thingvallavatn morphs,
planktivorous- (PL) and small benthic-charr (SB), which have diverged
along the limnetic – benthic ecological axis, and inhabit different
parts of the lake. Breeding populations of both morphs are large and
their spawning overlaps spatially and temporally seemingly presenting
ample opportunities for cross-mating. Yet, population genetic studies
show that they constitute distinct populations, which suggests effective
reproductive barrier(s). We intend to cast light on the nature of these
barriers. The central hypothesis underlying our investigation is that
reproductive isolation between SB and PL Arctic charr is partly due to
strong negative selection against hybrid offspring and/or differences in
the exact timing of spawning (i.e. time of the day), precise spawning
location and/or mating behavior. The Ph.D. project’s aims are to: i)
Assess hybrid survival and fitness during embryonic and early larval
development ii) Study gene expression during development of hybrid and
pure morph crosses iii) Study the spawning behavior of the two morphs
and their interaction in the wild and in the lab.
The applicant must have completed an M.Sc. degree in Biology or related
fields from a University approved by the University of Iceland’s Graduate
School. Those with an advanced degree including at least a 60 ECTS credits
thesis project will be given precedence. Diving experience is a plus.
We are seeking a student with dedication, drive and good theoretical
background in evolution, developmental and molecular biology and an
interest in animal behavior. The work involves planning and executing
sampling in the field, acquisition and analysis of high-throughput
sequencing data and numerical analyses, designing laboratory
experiments. The position will be at the University of Iceland and
the work will take place there. Experts at the University of Aberdeen,
Scotland and the Hólar University College, Iceland, will also participate
in the project.
Application deadline is July 15th 2017. The PhD study should be completed
within four years of full time study. The PhD student may be involved in
teaching, for two semesters maximum. The selected candidate will have to
formally apply for PhD studies at the University of Iceland in due time.
Applicants should send a letter of intent (maximum two pages) explaining
interest in working on this project, the reason to pursue a PhD, hopes
to gain and learn during the PhD studies and what makes them suitable
for this project to Sigurdur S. Snorrason (sigsnor@hi.is). They should
also send a i) CV, ii) transcripts of university diplomas, iii) courses
taken at bachelor and masters level, iv) degree project thesis and v)
names and contact information of two persons that could provide letters
of references.
The student will join the Arctic charr group at the Institute of
Life and Environmental Sciences, under the supervision of Sigurdur
S. Snorrason, Arnar Palsson and Zophonias O. Jonsson. The Arctic charr
group consists of several PhD students and senior personnel, and has
collaborators in Iceland, Denmark, Scotland and Canada. The combined
expertise covers population ecology and genetics, molecular biology
and bioinformatics. At the institute we have well equipped molecular
biology labs, and instruments and computer pipelines for high throughput
sequencing, are accessible there or at collaborating centers.
For further information contact:
Kalina H. Kapralova
(kalina@hi.is) or
Sigurdur S. Snorrason (sigsnor@hi.is)
Further
information on Arctic charr group at the University of Iceland:
http://luvs.hi.is/en/arctic-charr-development-and-genomics.
The salary for the position will be in accordance with the grant awarded
from the University Research Fund.
Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in
consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland.
At the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences 360 people are employed
in research and teaching. The School offers an international environment,
with the number of international employees and students increasing each
year. Currently 25% of all employees and postgraduate students are
international. There are around 2300 students at the School, divided
into six faculties, thereof are 350 graduate students and 150 doctoral
students. Research institutes at the school are the Science Institute that
divides into the Institute of Earth Sciences and Institute of Physical
Sciences, Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, Engineering
Research Institute and the Institute for Sustainability Studies which
is an interdisciplinary institute and belongs to the five schools of
the University of Iceland.
The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science
institute in Iceland and is ranked among the top 250 universities in
the world by Times Higher Education.
Kalina Hristova Kapralova <kalina@hi.is>
Source: CCMar, Portugal