Oslo, Norway: Postdoc, hybrid speciation in sparrows Tisk
3-year research position in Evolutionary Genetics at Centre for Ecological
and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo (UiO)
The project is part of a larger research program entitled “On the role
of hybridisation in evolution–the case of Eurasian Passer Sparrows
” funded by the Norwegian Research Council.
 
Hybridization can have different evolutionary outcomes, ranging from
speciation reversals to hybrid speciation. The Italian sparrow (Passer
italiae) is the first documented case of hybrid speciation in birds
(Hermansen et al. 2011). This bird originated from past events of
hybridization between two divergent parental species, the house sparrow
(P. domesticus) and the Spanish sparrow (P. hispaniolensis) some thousands
of years ago. Today, the hybrid taxon is sympatric or parapatric with both
parent species in certain regions, enabling investigations of current
gene flow and the nature of reproductive barriers. Moreover, the parent
species live sympatrically in large regions around the Mediterranean Sea,
enabling comparisons of the reproductive barriers that isolate the parent
species with those that isolate the hybrid species from either parent.
 
The project integrates evolutionary genetic, genomic, quantitative genetic
and ecological approaches to investigate the consequences of hybridization
in the interplay with recombination and selection. Phenotypes of
interest include beak morphology, plumage coloration, vocalization,
migration behaviour and intrinsic reproductive barriers (genetic
incompatibilities). Of genomic resources we have de novo assembled the
house sparrow genome, which will be used as a reference for re-sequencing
and genotyping efforts in this project. We aim at increasing our
understanding of the modularity of the genome and of the processes of
adaptation and speciation. The successful candidate will be allowed to
choose aspects of the larger program as best fits her/his skills and
research interests. She/he will also be encouraged to develop additional,
complementary avenues of research.
 
The candidate must have a PhD or other corresponding education in a
relevant field, such as evolutionary biology, genomics, genetics and/or
bioinformatics.  Documented skills in population genetic/genomic and/or
quantitative genetic analysis will be emphasized.
 
The research will be conducted in close collaboration with Prof. SĂŚtre
and his group at CEES. The research team will also include other
scientists from Norway, Sweden and Finland. The working language will be
English. Fieldwork may be conducted at a variety of locations, including
Italy and other Mediterranean countries.
 
The application must include: Application letter, CV, copies of
educational certificates, transcript of records, A complete list of
publications and up to 5 academic works, Names and contact details of
2-3 references.
 
Apply online within 24th March via Easyrecruit:
http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1351119/96871?iso=no
 
Contact: Glenn-Peter SĂŚtre, e-mail: 
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