Roscoff, France: Postdoc in evolutionary biology Tisk
Kelp life history evolution and selection for aquaculture.*
A two year postdoctoral research position is available immediately at 
the Roscoff Marine Laboratory, UMI "Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of 
Algae" in France (http://www.sb-roscoff.fr/umi-3614.html). The aim of 
the project is to use a combination of crossing experiments and genetic 
analyses in order to improve our basic knowledge of life history traits 
evolution in brown algae and to implement kelp selection for 
aquaculture. This position is funded in the context of the IDEALG 
project (http://www.idealg.ueb.eu/).
 
Artificial selection is crucial to algal aquaculture development, and 
contrarily to many terrestrial plant species, selection process in 
seaweed is in infancy, particularly in Europe. The aim of the project 
IDEALG is to develop basic research for selection process in seaweed 
aquaculture incorporating rigorous evolutionary thinking into it.  
Generally, seaweed populations are characterized by large level of 
genetic differentiation suggesting that populations are adapted to their 
local environment. In this context, parents that are too similar 
genetically may suffer from reduced crossing compatibility due to 
inbreeding depression, whereas crosses between parents that are too 
different genetically may lead to an outbreeding depression by 
disrupting adaptive complexes. An intermediate optimal outcrossing 
distance is therefore expected as a compromise between inbreeding 
depression and outbreeding depression. In addition, seaweeds display 
complex life cycles, involving an alternation of haploid and diploid 
individuals. The consequences of such cycles for the reproductive system 
have been little studied experimentally. In particular, inbreeding 
depression is expected to be reduced as deleterious mutations are 
removed from the genome during the haploid phase.
 
The objective of this project is to address these questions combining 
crossing experiments with genetic analyses in different kelps (in 
particular Saccharina latissima). The effects of crosses on reproductive 
success will be investigated by examining the evolution of crossing 
compatibility with increasing geographic distance. Number of 
fertilizations and abortion rate will be measured in single-male crosses 
in laboratory conditions, as estimates of prezygotic and early 
postzygotic compatibility between mates.
 
Applicants must have a PhD in evolutionary ecology, in plant breeding or 
genetics. They must have a good background in population genetics and 
demonstrable experience in breeding experiments. Specific experience on 
seaweed ecology and culturing is preferable.
 
Salary will be 2000 EUR to 2500EUR per month (net) depending on experience.
Applications are accepted until 15 February, 2015 and should include CV 
together with a description of research experience, relevant 
publications and 2 letters of references. Interview of the selected 
candidates will be made from the 15 to the 28 February 2015.
 
Applications should be sent to Christophe Destombe
(
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prefer applications in electronic form.  For more information please
contact Christophe Destombe and/or Myriam Valero.