ERC-funded PhD position
The ConvergeAnt project: morphological convergence and dental
simplification in ant-eating placentals.
We invite applications for a PhD position funded by the European
Research Council (ERC) for 36 months at the University of Montpellier
(France).
Co-supervisors.Dr. Lionel Hautier (
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Dr. Frédéric Delsuc (
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Research Unit. Institut des Sciences de lâEvolution de Montpellier,
Université Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, EPHE.^
Host Laboratory. Form and Genome Departments
/Teams/âPaleontologyâ and âPhylogeny and Molecular Evolutionâ
Background. Despite its widespread occurrence across the tree of life,
many questions still remain unanswered concerning the fascinating
phenomenon of convergent evolution. Our objectives with this project are
to provide new insights on a textbook example of adaptive evolutionary
convergence represented by mammalian myrmecophagous species, in which
similar phenotypes evolved independently in several lineages. The
acquisition of a myrmecophagous diet almost exclusively composed of ants
and/or termites has indeed evolved independently in five placental
lineages with armadillos (Cingulata), anteaters (Pilosa), aardvarks
(Tubulidentata), pangolins (Pholidota) and aardwolves (Carnivora). The
skull of myrmecophages has attracted considerable attention because they
show an extreme dental reduction, reaching its paroxysm in anteaters and
pangolins that totally lack teeth. The selective constraints imposed by
this highly specific diet have driven the convergent evolution of
numerous morphological, anatomical, and physiological characters
resulting in similar morphologies in these animals.We propose taking
advantage of the unique set of convergently evolved characters
associated with the ant-eating diet to investigate the developmental
mechanisms underlying phenotypical adaptation.
Tasks. The main objectives of this PhD are to reveal the details of the
morphological convergence towards skull elongation and dental reduction
observed among independent myrmecophagous lineages. The successful
candidate will address the following questions:(i) How is the skull
variation shaped by convergent evolution towards myrmecophagy? (ii) Can
we characterize the developmental origin of dental reduction? (iii) Can
we identify a set of convergently evolved characters defining the
myrmecophagous phenotype?
Candidate profile.Mandatory requirements include a masterâs degree in
evolutionary biology, experience in working with vertebrate collections,
a high degree of initiative and motivation, capacity for teamwork, good
English skills, and good knowledge of statistics applied to geometric
morphometrics. Skills and experience with CT scanning and 3D
reconstruction techniques will be useful. Desirable is a background in
vertebrate comparative anatomy and evolution, especially in mammals.
Skills in myology would also be useful. The successful candidate will
have a genuine interest to interact with molecular biologists. S/he
should also be keen to travel to visit international museum collections
for data collection during the course of the Ph.D.
Applications.Candidates must send electronically their application before
June 20^th , 2016 in the form of a single PDF file including a cover
letter, a CV, eventually a copy of their Master thesis, and contact
information (not supporting letters) of two persons of reference to
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will review applications upon receipt. Short-listed candidates will be
interviewed the last week of June.
This PhD position forms part of the ConvergeAnt project funded by the
European Research Council (ERC), which aims at investigating the complex
interplay between the mammalian genome, phenome, and associated
microbiome in a classical case of adaptive convergence driven by a
highly specialized diet.
Starting date: 01/10/2016
Duration: 3 years
For further information, please contact Lionel Hautier
(
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) and/or Frédéric Delsuc
(
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