********************GradStudentPositions******************** Call for applications: Masters Position in Ant Biology at the University of Florida Research Focus: ant diversity, population genetics and citizen science. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in entomology or closely related biological science. Applicants who have an intellectual interest in ants, evolution, ecology and outreach are especially encouraged to apply. Demonstrated ability to complete projects. Excellent written and oral communication abilities. Minimum GPA of 3.5 and competitive GRE scores are desired. Experience with the following will be an asset, but is not required: insect classification, collections management, systematics, DNA extraction and amplification (PCR), fieldwork, outreach/teaching. Apply: Interested candidates should send a letter by email addressed to Dr. Andrea Lucky at alucky@ufl.edu with the subject header ms position in ant biology. Please include CV, statement of purpose and names and contact information of three references. Application deadline is May 31, 2013, with the ideal start date in Fall 2013. Andrea Lucky, PhD Entomology/Nematology University of Florida 970 Natural Area Drive Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Phone: (352) 273-3952 Email: alucky@ufl.edu www.andrealucky.com www.schoolofants.org alucky@ufl.edu ********************GradStudentPositions******************** *Three-year funded PhD fellowship available at University of Rennes 1 (UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio), France:* ***Evolution of polyploid genomes and functional innovation: * The history of plants is punctuated by recurrent events of genome duplications (polyploidy) which led to the emergence of most existing angiosperm lineages and to increased complexity of functions that played a critical role in species adaptation. This functional evolution has important ecological consequences (such as the expansion of invasive species) and is also widely exploited in agriculture (domestication of polyploid species). Understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with genome duplication (especially in hybrid /i.e./ allopolyploid contexts) is currently the subject of active research in the scientific community. The goal of the thesis is to understand how ecologically important functions may take place during evolution following genome duplication, using genus /Spartina/ (Poaceae, Chloridoideae) as a model system. /Spartina/ species are perennial grasses colonizing salt-marshes. Polyploidy and interspecific hybridization are recurrent in this genus where various ploidy levels are encountered from tetraploid (2n@) to dodecaploid (2n0-122). The planned studies will focus on the hexaploid species /Spartina alterniflora/ and /Spartina maritima/ and their recent hybrid and invasive allopolyploid (/Spartina anglica/) derivatives. The recent technological and methodological developments resulting from high-throughput sequencing now offer new opportunities for integrated approaches in evolutionary and ecological genomics.Various molecular approaches (genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic) will be combined to biochemical, physiological phenotyping and phylogenetic analyses. Handling of high-throughput data and bioinformatic processing are planned. The project is developed in the research group "Mechanisms and Origins of Biodiversity (MOB)" under supervision of Prof. Malika Ainouche in the framework of an International Associated Laboratory "ECOGEN: Ecological Genomics of Polyploidy" with the support of the Partner University Funds through a collaborative programme with Prof. JF Wendel (Iowa State University, USA). Applicants must have a Master (or equivalent) degree and must apply at the Ecole Doctorale Vie Agro Santé (VAS) of University of Rennes 1 (http://www.vas.univ-rennes1.fr/ ) *_BEFORE 9 JUNE 2013_* to participate to the Annual Competitive Admission Process which includes 2 steps: 1) Pre-selection based on application 2) Interview with the selection committee (26-27 june 2013); interviews in English or French. The results will be available before July 6th. Detailed information on the application process is provided on the VAS website (http://www.vas.univ-rennes1.fr/ ). The applicants will have to specify their choice regarding this PhD thesis, /i.e/. reference 102 in the list provided on the VAS website. Interested applicants are invited to contact (with CV) Malika Ainouche (malika.ainouche@univ-rennes1.fr) BEFORE submitting their application Prof. University of Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6553 Ecobio Bat. 14A Campus de Beaualieu 35 042 Rennes Cedex tel +33 (0)2 23 23 51 11 Malika Ainouche ********************GradStudentPositions******************** UAberdeen.NicheEvolution Body: PhD POSITION IN NICHE EVOLUTION IN ISCHNURA DAMSELFLIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Under changing climates, many organisms are facing dramatic range shifts and expansions. The evolutionary constraints and consequences accompanying these geographic shifts are little understood, but are critical for understanding the processes of adaptation, niche evolution, and generation and maintenance of genetic diversity. This project will investigate the evolutionary constraints on and consequences of niche evolution in the blue-tailed damselfly, Ishnura elegans, which has expanded its range northward in Great Britain by over 150 km in the past 50 years. The project involves fieldwork across the UK, and potentially also in Sweden. Field and genetic (genome-wide SNP) data will be used to test alternative hypotheses about niche evolution and adaptation to novel ecological conditions under range expansion. The ideal student shows initiative and independent thought, but will be provided with full training and support to ensure a strong basis in evolutionary and population genetic theory, and proficiency in analytical techniques, (e.g.,) genomic, landscape genetic, and species distribution models. This position is based within the Ecology research group the University of Aberdeen, a cutting-edge research community with many opportunities for collaboration. The student will work primarily under Dr. Lesley Lancaster, and further information about her research interests can be found here:http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/~lancaster. Funding Notes: Applicants for a studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, an upper second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK. Funding is available to UK nationals or those EU nationals who can demonstrate that they have been resident in the UK for three years. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing. More information about how to apply can be found here: http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=45283 Enquiries should be made to sbspgadmin@abdn.ac.uk. Lesley Lancaster ********************Jobs******************** The Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences in West Lafayette, Indiana is advertising a Continuing Lecturer position. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or related discipline and preferably two years of teaching experience at the university level. The successful candidate will teach lecture courses in a sophomore-level ecology & evolution class and introductory genetics for majors. The initial contract for this position is two years with potential of continuation based on performance. Applications must be submitted electronically to https://hiring.science.purdue.edu as single PDF files that include a detailed curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three references, a 2-3 page summary of statement of teaching interests and/or philosophy. Inquiries should be directed to Continuing Lecturer Search Committee, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054 or emailed to search@bio.purdue.edu. Review of applications will continue until position is filled. dbos@purdue.edu ********************Jobs******************** Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Researcher Organization: Florida State University Job Location: Tallahassee, FL Job Description: To join our integrative laboratory team, which is generating data for phylogenomics, phylogeography, and population genetics on a massive scale using enrichment procedures and high-throughput sequencing (i.e., Illumina). Researcher will serve as the project coordinator, organizing collaborative research projects, managing the laboratory, developing novel applications for hybridization-based enrichment, providing training to laboratory members, and performing bench-level molecular work (e.g., library preparation, hybrid enrichment). Researcher will have opportunities for authorship and co-authorship on relevant papers. Qualifications: Candidate must have demonstrated organizational skills, excellent laboratory experience and troubleshooting skills, a strong background in molecular biology, good experience in protocol development, solid leadership skills, and a record of high productivity. Candidate must have the strong interpersonal skills necessary for interacting with a wide range of collaborators. Candidates with a background in genomic data collection and/or several years of experience in molecular laboratory management will be given precedence during application review. Start Date: June-Sept 2013 (earlier end of this range preferred) Characteristic Duties: - Organize and manage collaborative projects - Assist in development and troubleshooting of new genomic protocols - Conduct various bench level experiments - Oversee assistant laboratory technicians - Maintain laboratory (order reagents, etc. or delegate these duties) - Provide advice and/or training in molecular techniques to fellow lab members - Assist in mentoring undergraduate lab projects - Attend weekly meeting for planning experiments Essential requirements: (1) BS, MS, or PhD degree with either graduate experience or a minimum of two years of professional molecular laboratory experience (2) Strong background in molecular biology techniques (3) Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills required; must be able to work independently, solve problems, and interact with lab members. Contact Information: chorusfrog@bio.fsu.edu Please insert "Lemmon Lab Research Scientist" in subject header and attach a CV. Letters will be requested as needed. About Our Organization: The researcher selected will become part of the integrative laboratory groups of Alan Lemmon and Emily Moriarty Lemmon in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University (in state capital Tallahassee, Florida). Our research interests and active research areas include theoretical and empirical phylogenetics, genomics, bioinformatics, speciation, behavioral evolution, phylogeography, population genetics, and development of new methods for data collection and data analysis for high-throughput phylogenomics. For information about Florida State University: www.bio.fsu.edu/ For information about Tallahassee, Florida: www.visittallahassee.com/ For information about research in the Lemmon Laboratories: www.evotutor.org/LemmonLab/ www.bio.fsu.edu/chorusfrog/index.html www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-moriarty-lemmon.php Emily Moriarty Lemmon Department of Biological Science Florida State University 319 Stadium Drive, P.O. Box 3064295 Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295 Phone: 850-645-9170 http://www.bio.fsu.edu/chorusfrog/index.html http://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-moriarty-lemmon.php chorusfrog@bio.fsu.edu ********************Jobs******************** 10 TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSORSHIPS OPEN AT UPPSALA UNIVERSITY The Faculty of Science and Technology at Uppsala University makes a unique effort by seeking 10 junior research scientists at the very foremost international level within all of science and technology. The level of hire is equivalent to the US assistant professorship or the UK associate senior lecturer, with the possibility of promotion to associate professor / senior lecturer after four years of employment. The positions are open to any area of research within natural sciences and technology, including evolutionary biology broadly defined, and can be placed at any of our 10 departments. For EvolDir subscribers, these positions offer a possibility of becoming affiliated with our Evolutionary Biology Centre (see below). Excellence and potential in research and teaching are the prime selection criteria. Each position comes with significant start-up funds. To be eligible, applicants must have received their doctoral degree no more than 7 years prior to the application deadline, which is June 23, 2013. Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia and is ranked among the top-100 universities in the world. It is a complete university with all three major disciplinary domains and 10 different Faculties represented. The Faculty of Science and Technology has excellent infrastructure and laboratory facilities at dedicated campus areas where the working atmosphere is truly international, with regular recruitment of PhD students, post-docs and faculty from abroad. Uppsala is a vibrant college town conveniently situated close to Stockholm (and even closer to the Arlanda airport) with beautiful and easy accessible surroundings. For evolutionarily oriented scientists, positions would be placed at our Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC). EBC is a vibrant international research environment that hosts what might be the largest aggregation of evolutionary biologists in the world. Here, the Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG) houses many renowned research groups covering a wide range of research themes in evolutionary ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics and genomics, limnology, biogeochemistry, conservation biology and molecular evolution. More information about IEG can be found at http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/ More information about EBC can be found at http://www.ebc.uu.se/ More information about the positions and research in science and technology in Uppsala can be found at http://teknat.uu.se/forskning/oppna-lektorat/ More information about Uppsala University can be found at http://www.uu.se A full announcement of these positions, including a description of the application procedure, is available at http://www.uu.se/jobb/teacher/annonsvisning?tarContentId=242814&languageId=1 We warmly welcome applications from candidates within the evolutionary biology community! -- Prof. Göran Arnqvist Animal Ecology Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Centre University of Uppsala Norbyvägen 18D SE - 752 36 Uppsala Sweden Email: Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se Phone: +46-(0)18-471 2645 Cell phone: +46-(0)70-2935032 Fax: +46-(0)18-471 6484 Homepage with PDF reprints and more at: http://www.anst.uu.se/goarn789/index.html Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se ********************Jobs******************** The University of Alabama is seeking qualified applicants for a Research Technician to work in a Drosophila genomics lab. The successful candidate will assist the Principal Investigator (Laura Reed) in a 5-year NIH funded project to map the genetic basis of dietary variation in endophenotypes (e.g. gene expression, metabolites) relating to diabetes and obesity in Drosophila melanogaster. Bachelor of Science degree or higher in a discipline related to the position and one year of relevant experience required; some experience working with molecular genetic techniques is required. Must be willing to make at least a two-year commitment to the position. Visit Employment Opportunities at http://jobs.ua.edu for more information and to apply. EEO/AA Laura K. Reed Assistant Professor Dept. of Biological Sciences University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Office: 2330 SEC, Lab: 2322 SEC Mailing address: Box 870344, Tuscaloosa AL 35487 office: 205-348-1345 lab: 205-348-1368 lreed1@bama.ua.edu http://flygxe.ua.edu/ "Reed, Laura" ********************Other******************** Dear all, One of the major UK Research Councils, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, is asking for opinions on what the most important research areas and technological developments in biosciences might be over the next five to 10 years. The BBSRC is an important source of funding in the UK for evolutionary biology (especially evolutionary genetics) and animal behaviour, and this survey provides us in the evolution community with the opportunity to highlight the importance of understanding evolutionary change. Without appreciating the role of evolution, many of the proposed solutions to the crises of food security, climate change, and emerging diseases and pests, may fail to deliver. The BBSRC says the survey results will inform its long-term strategic plan and will be discussed by the council and its advisory network. Anyone can take part in the survey, but the BBSRC says it is particularly keen to hear from PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (so do please pass it on). The survey is open until 3 June and can be accessed at: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/news/policy/2013/130517-n-strategic-workshop-survey.aspx Dr David M Shuker Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology School of Biology University of St Andrews St Andrews KY16 9TH United Kingdom dms14@st-andrews.ac.uk ********************PostDocs******************** The Evolutionary Ecology group based at Eawag Dubendorf and ETH Zurich in Switzerland is conducting research on host-parasite interactions. We are particularly interested in the topic of symbiont-mediated coevolution, that is in hosts adapting to their parasites by symbiosis with protective microorganisms, and in the parasites counteradapting to these protective symbionts. Our main study organisms are aphids, their bacterial endosymbionts and hymenopteran parasitoids of aphids. To strengthen our team we are inviting applications for a POSTDOC POSITION IN GENETICS OF HOST-PARASITE INTERACTIONS We are seeking an enthusiastic postdoc with interest in host-parasite coevolution and experience in generating and analyzing next-generation sequencing data, ideally in transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). A PhD is required for this position. The expected starting date is 1 October 2013, but can be negotiated. This Postdoc position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is available for 2 years. The successful candidate will be working in the Evolutionary Ecology group led by Christoph Vorburger (www.evec.ethz.ch). This group is associated with the Institute of Integrative Biology at ETH Zurich, Switzerland (http://www.ibz.ethz.ch), as well as with the Department of Aquatic Ecology at Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (http://www.eawag.ch). These institutions offer a stimulating work environment, ample opportunities for collaboration, and excellent facilities, including the state-of-the-art Genetic Diversity Center (www.gdc.ethz.ch). Salary and benefits are competitive. Dubendorf is adjacent to Zurich, a city known for its excellent quality of life. Applications have to be submitted online via the following link: http://internet1.refline.ch/673277/0199/++publications++/1/index.html . Please include a cover letter explaining your motivation, research interests and relevant experience, a curriculum vitae, publication list, and the names and contact details of three academic references as a single PDF file. Deadline for applications is 31 May 2013. For enquiries about this position please contact Christoph Vorburger (+41 58 765 51 96; christoph.vorburger@eawag.ch). We are looking forward to your application. Christoph.Vorburger@eawag.ch ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral researcher - Plasmodium genomics A postdoctoral position is available to work on Plasmodium vivax population genomics with David Serre (http://www.lerner.ccf.org/gmi/serre/) at the Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine Institute. P. vivax is the main cause of malaria outside Africa but little is known about its biology since the parasite cannot be easily propagated in vitro. In the frame of a NIH-funded project, we are sequencing parasite genomes from blood samples of infected Cambodian patients to better characterize genetic diversity and organization of the P. vivax population and identify genetic loci underlying resistance to antimalarial drugs. Possibilities also exist for a successful candidate to develop new projects related to the overall goals of this research. An ideal candidate would have prior experience with next-generation sequencing data, strong quantitative, computational and programming skills, and a record of published work in population genetics. Applicant should hold a Ph.D. in Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Statistics or a related field, as well as strong written and oral communication skills. The position is available immediately. Applicants should send a single pdf including a CV, contact information for three references, and a cover letter to serred@ccf.org serred@ccf.org ********************PostDocs******************** A postdoctoral position is available at the Institute of Population Genetics, Vetmeduni Vienna (Austria). The research focus of the Institute of Population Genetics is on understanding the genetics of adaptation. This central question in evolutionary biology is being tackled using up-to-date methods and a variety of approaches, including experimental evolution, quantitative genetics, functional genetics, empirical population genetics, bioinformatics and statistics. The successful candidate will have access to an excellent data set on thermal adaptation in Drosophila including: 1) Genome-wide polymorphism data from laboratory selection experiments exposing Drosophila to different temperature regimes. 2) Gene expression data of Drosophila populations evolved to different temperatures in the laboratory 3) GWAS data for traits related to thermal adaptation 4) Genome-wide polymorphism data for natural populations from environments with different temperatures We are searching for a candidate with a keen interest to understand adaptation in Drosophila by combining information from these proprietary data sets. Given the scale of the experiment, sound statistical knowledge is beneficial and programming skills are essential. In recent years, Vienna has developed into one of the leading centers in evolutionary biology (http://www.evolvienna.at). In addition, Vienna is home to the VDRC Stock Center, and a high-profile Drosophila research community, most notably at the IMP (http://www.imp.ac.at/) and the IMBA ( http://www.imba.oeaw.ac.at/). In addition to a stimulating scientific environment, Vienna also offers an extraordinarily high quality of life. Affordable housing, excellent public transport, great restaurants, a range of international schools, two operas, two music centers, many theaters and museums in combination with a pleasant climate make Vienna one of the most attractive cities in Europe. The position is available from July 2013. The application should be emailed to christian.schloetterer@vetmeduni.ac.at as a single pdf containing CV, list of publications, a statement of research interests, and the names of three references with contact details. While the search will continue until the position is filled, applications should be received by June 8, 2013 to ensure full consideration. Christian Schlötterer Institut für Populationsgenetik Vetmeduni Vienna Veterinärplatz 1 1210 Wien Austria/Europe phone: +43-1-25077-4300 fax: +43-1-25077-4390 http://i122server.vu-wien.ac.at/pop Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics http://www.popgen-vienna.at schlotc@gmail.com ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** PhD course: high throughput sequencing of non-model organisms Time: June 11-18, 2013 At: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland High throughput sequencing technologies are being applied to a wide range of important topics in biology. However, the analyses of non-model organisms, for which little previous sequence information is available, pose specific problems. This course will address the specific strengths and weaknesses of alternative HTS technologies, the computational resources needed for HTS, and how to analyze non-model species using HTS. The course consists of a practical training module on the Ion Torrent PGM, HTS bioinformatics training, and lecturing/seminars of HTS approaches specifically targeting non-model organisms. Find more information and application form on our web pages . The registration deadline is May 29. If you think anyone in your network would be interested in the course, please forward this information to them! [cid:103113605@18052011-19E4] Best regards, Ms. Gøril Frømyr Borgen PhD coordinator Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Phone: 75517351 E-mail: gfb@uin.no http://www.uin.no Gøril Frømyr Borgen ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Hello, Below is a brief description of the Organization for Tropical Studies' Microbial Ecology of Amphibian Decline, an upcoming graduate-level specialty course which will be taught in Costa Rica from July 29 - August 12, 2013. The course is worth 2 graduate academic credits transferable to all institutions within the Organization for Tropical Studies consortium, which includes over 50 universities in the USA, Latin America, South Africa and Australia. This course may be of interest to students in the fields of microbial ecology, amphibian ecology, vertebrate survey techniques, disease ecology and amphibian decline, emphasizing on modern approaches: genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. http://ots.ac.cr/images/downloads/education/graduate/specialty-courses/amphi biandecline.pdf Your circulation of this material among graduate students in different departments and programs would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks! -- Microbial Ecology of amphibian decline Microbes are essential components of the environment because they provide key services that support ecosystem functioning. Our ability to understand these microbes has advanced substantially due to the recent development of rapid, low-cost, high-throughput sequencing. Entire microbiomes can now be characterized to understand both the identity and function of microbes within these communities. As a result, we are now gaining insights into microbial communities that are associated with animals. These recent developments in technology poise the field of microbial ecology to make important discoveries and advances regarding their relationship to amphibian decline. This course will present students with a variety of topics relevant to the microbial ecology of amphibian decline, emphasizing on modern OMICS approaches (genomics, proteomics and metabolomics). During the first part of the course at La Selva Biological Station, students will learn to identify and sample amphibians in the field, detect by culture dependent and molecular techniques of both symbiotic and pathogenic microbes including Batrachotrychium dendrobatidis (Bd) and ranavirus, as well as build phylogenetic trees and analyze complete genomes of these microbes. At the end of this period, students will be able to design their own hypotheses and test them the following week at the University of Costa Rica, employing a combination of genetic, proteomic and metabolomics approach. Course Content Through fieldwork, computer-based and laboratory analyses, this course will help students gain basic knowledge and hands-on experience in the following diverse fields: amphibian ecology, vertebrate survey techniques, disease ecology, isolation and laboratory culture of amphibian pathogens, microbial ecology and diversity, host-microbe symbioses, molecular biology, phylogenetics, next generation sequencing technologies, comparative genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Participants The course will be held in Costa Rica and is limited to 20 students. We anticipate that half of the students will come from Latin American institutions and about half from U.S. institutions. All participants should be fluent in English. A working knowledge of Spanish would be useful. The course is intended for graduate students with an interest in amphibian conservation, microbial ecology or global change biology. Course Instructors: Adrian Pinto Director, Microscopic Structures Research Center. Course Coordinator. Ibrahim Zuñiga Microscopic Structures Research Center. Microbiology research. Invited Faculty Bruno Lomonte Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Proteomic research. Godofredo Solano Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales. Metabolomics research. Gilbert Alvarado, DVM Microscopic Structures Research Center. Pathology research. Gabriel Vargas, Microscopic Structures Research Center. Bioinformatics research. Juan Abarca Microscopic Structures Research Center. Field research. Course dates: July 29 - August 12, 2013 (arrive July 28, depart 13 August) Application Deadline: June 14, 2013. For priority consideration, followed by open enrollment until filled. Tuition: OTS consortium applicants $2300; non-member applicants $2900 Tuition includes: all lodging (hotel and biological research stations), all meals, all transportation within Costa Rica, all course materials (sample equipment and lab). Does not cover personal expenses or airfare. Partial need-based scholarships are available; priority given to OTS consortium and Latin American applicants. For more information please consult the OTS website www.ots.ac.cr or write to Andrés Santana andres.santana@ots.ac.cr or Barbara Lewis barbara.lewis@ots.ac.cr for application information andres.santana@ots.ac.cr ********************Conferences******************** Dear all the dead line for the abstract submissions for the 17th EBM is june 30 more info including the list of the first accepted abstract is available : http://sites.univ-provence.fr/evol-cgr/ all the best Pierre Pierre PONTAROTTI