Cambridge, UK: Postdoc to study butterfly speciation Tisk
Genomics postdoc to study butterfly speciation, with flexibility for
the candidate to pursue their own interests within the broad goals of
the project. 
A post-doctoral research associate position in Department of Zoology,
located in Central Cambridge on Downing Street, is available from October
2014 for twenty four months, in the first instance, to work with Professor
Chris Jiggins on the evolutionary genomics of adaptation and speciation
in Heliconius butterflies,
 in collaboration with Dr Owen McMillan at
the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. There are three
important aspects of the position. First, we are looking for someone to
work with the larger Heliconius community to finalize the construction of
the H. erato genome. This genome will be the second full genome sequence
available in Heliconius, alongside H. erato's co-mimic, H. melpomene,
and will provide a foundation for broader comparative genomic studies
across the radiation.
 
This work will primarily involve validating and improving an existing
assembly using genetic linkage data. Second, we are looking for someone
to produce a draft assembly of the H. cydno genome for comparison to the
H. melpomene and H. erato genomes. The Postdoctoral Research Associate
will then use these reference genomes to study adaptation and speciation
in the genus. This could include demographic analysis of mimicry and
speciation using coalescence-based methods to infer population history
from whole-genome sequences and/or analysis of genomic rearrangements and
their role in speciation, inferred from population resequence data for
H. erato and H. melpomene species groups. There is considerable scope
for the focus of the biological analyses to reflect the interests of
the candidate.
 
The research will primarily involve bioinformatic analysis of existing
genomic sequence datasets. The successful applicant should have a Ph.D.,
completed or completion imminent, in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics
or a related field, with a strong interest in population genomics. In
addition, candidates should have experience with the manipulation and
analysis of Illumina data and working knowledge of a programming language
such as Python or Perl.
 
Candidates should have a good collaborative spirit, as the work will
involve close collaboration with researchers in Cambridge and Panama
as well as coordination with many different labs working on Heliconius
biology, genome assembly and genome databases. Enthusiasm, determination
and the capacity to work independently are also essential.
 
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the
first instance.
 
To apply online for this vacancy, please follow this link
http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/4844/. or contact me Chris Jiggins for
more information: Chris Jiggins <c.jiggins [at] zoo.cam.ac.uk>
 
Please quote reference PF04195 on your application and in any
correspondence about this vacancy.
 
The University values diversity and is committed to equality of
opportunity.
 
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are
eligible to live and work in the UK.