Ph.D. Scholarship: Population genomics of parallel evolution in
Icelandic Arctic charr *
What are the molecular underpinnings of parallel evolution? Do the same
pathways, genes or even alleles contribute to divergence in multiple
isolated populations within a species?
These and related questions will
be addressed by a team of researchers, and a capable Ph.D. student
responding to this advertisement. The Ph.D. project utilizes the
parallel evolution of a small benthic variety of Arctic charr
/(Salvelinus alpinu/s) in Iceland and is designed to investigate the
genetics of this recent, rapid and repeated diversification.
Project outline
Many key questions of evolutionary genetics can now be investigated in
detail due to theoretical advances and high throughput molecular
techniques. The project is built on extensive ecological work on Arctic
charr, a cold adapted salmonid that invaded Icelandic freshwaters after
the last ice age (about 12,000 years ago). In multiple habitats,
especially spring fed streams and lakes, charr have diversified into
limnetic and benthic forms, and in some cases they coexist in sympatry.
*The principal objective of the research is to identify key genes and
pathways that associate with ecological specialization (e.g. morphology,
life history characteristics) in Arctic charr.*The Ph.D. project��s aims
are to: i) Identify SNPs that associate with dwarfism and/or morphotype
and assess if and how variation at these loci correlates with ecological
specializations across multiple populations. ii) Test whether genes that
associate repeatedly with ecological specializations are under positive
selection or if they have experienced relaxation of purifying selection.
Ideal candidate and requirements
We are seeking a student with dedication, drive and good theoretical
background in population genetics and evolution and an interest in the
genetics of divergence. The work involves planning and executing
sampling in the field, acquisition and analysis of high-throughput
sequencing data and numerical analyses. The position will be at the
University of Iceland and the work will take place there.Experts at the
University of Guelph, Canada, the University of Aarhus, Denmark, and the
H��lar University College, Iceland, will also participate in the project.
Qualifications
The applicant must have completed a 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.
Terms of employment
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.
Application
Applicants should send a letter of intent (maximum two pages) explaining
your interest in working on this project, why they want to pursue a
Ph.D., what they hope to gain and learn during their PhD studies and
what makes them suitable for this project. They should also send a CV,
transcripts of university diplomas, courses taken at bachelor and
masters level, degree project thesis and names and contact information
of two persons that could provide letters of references. Applications
should be sent before March 15th, 2015, to
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University of Iceland
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 Ph.D. students and senior personnel, and has
collaborators in Iceland, Denmark 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.
The University of Iceland strives to work against workplace
discrimination and to offer equal opportunities to everyone.
For further information contact: Sigurdur S. Snorrason (
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Further information on Arctic charr group at the University of Iceland:
http://luvs.hi.is/en/arctic-charr-development-and-genomics
Best regards,
Arnar |