********************GradStudentPositions******************** *PhD studentship available on the role of hybridization during biological invasions* The Hodgins lab (Monash University, www.hodginslab.com) and the Cousens lab (The University of Melbourne) are currently seeking an outstanding PhD candidate interested in studying plant ecological genomics. Funding is provided by an Australian Research Council Discovery grant, in collaboration with Dr Loren Rieseberg (University of British Columbia). Hybridisation has been thought to aid invasion by introducing genetic novelty, but traditional approaches have been ineffective at evaluating alternatives. This deficiency will be addressed by capitalising on replicate hybrid zones of the same species, applying new methods on an expansive genomic dataset, and developing novel simulations to resolve how hybridisation and colonisation interact. The expected outcome will be a rigorous empirical evaluation of three candidate processes. This project has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of how colonisation and hybridisation shape the evolutionary trajectory of species in general. The project can commence any time during 2019 and will be developed in collaboration with the student. Teaching is not required for the duration of the PhD (3.5 years in Australia). Research funding as well as attendance in one conference per year is guaranteed. Successful candidates will be fully funded for 3.5 years with an annual tax-free stipend of approximately $26,000 AUD, which includes tuition and medical cover. A fully funded PhD stipend is available for either an international student or a domestic student. Melbourne is diverse and thriving city with a desirable climate. It is one of the most livable cities in the world and is a cultural and recreational hub. Monash University and The University of Melbourne are members of the Group of Eight, a coalition of top Australian universities recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. All applicants must have the equivalent of at least six months full time independent research experience (e.g., an honours or a masters) and excellent grades. A publication in an international journal is an asset. Quantitative, bioinformatics, and computational skills are also an asset. Please send your CV, a transcript, a brief statement of your research interests and the contact details of two referees to kathryn.hodgins@monash.edu. Kathryn Hodgins ********************GradStudentPositions******************** Dear All, We are currently seeking highly motivated PhD student for a fully-funded project to start in 2019. The project will focus on analysing molecular data from museum and modern samples to unravel the population histories of endemic vertebrates in SE Indonesia. The Wallacea region of Indonesia hosts an exceptionally distinctive vertebrate diversity, with endemics such as anoa, babirusa and maleo. Yet this biogeographically-complex region is emerging as a new frontier in Indonesia for agribusiness, and land-use change may have detrimental impacts on this region¢s large endemic forest vertebrates. To predict future population changes under different land-use scenarios, we will study past changes. The availability of range-wide georeferenced anoa, babirusa and maleo specimens in museums means that we can obtain genomic information from samples that pre-date recent changes in land-use. The aim of this project is to model changes in population size using nuclear and mitochondrial (mtDNA) genome-wide levels of genetic diversity from past and present samples, to reconstruct the population history of these species and assess whether signals of population declines, detected by our previous study [1] were induced by recent deforestation. [1] Frantz et al. (2018) Synchronous diversification of Sulawesi's iconic artiodactyls driven by recent geological events. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London 285, 20172566. This studentship is fully-funded by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)_and is aligned to the UK¢s overseas development strategy. The PhD student will be trained in working with historical samples at the Natural History Museum of London under the supervision of Dr Selina Brace, and in population genetics and bioinformatics by Dr Laurent Frantz and Prof Stephen Rossiter (QMUL). This studentship forms part of a larger NERC funded project involving conservation biologists, spatial modellers, and social scientists, and the student will have opportunities to visit Indonesia and interact with team members. The successful candidate is expected to have a strong academic background with a at least a 1st class or 2.1 Bachelor¢s degree (or equivalent). An MSc in a relevant field (genomics, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics), and an interest in conservation issues, would also be advantageous. Candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter and CV in the first instance to either Laurent Frantz (laurent.frantz@qmul.ac.uk) or Stephen Rossiter (s.j.rossiter@qmul.ac.uk). To apply online: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbcs/postgraduate/phd-programmes/projects/display-title-648638-en.htm laurent.frantz@arch.ox.ac.uk ********************GradStudentPositions******************** NERC funded PhD studenship in School of Natural Sciences, Bangor, UK Understanding parallel origins of industrial metal tolerance in Silene uniflora Climate change, urbanisation and exploitation of natural resources increasingly alter the environment, posing significant challenges for plants and animals. For species to adapt to such fast paced change, they will either need to draw on new genetic variation, which is likely to emerge very slowly, or on existing standing variation, which is potentially very fast. Another possibility is that adaptive alleles will be acquired via hybridisation with closely related species, facilitating rapid adaptation through the re-use of existing adaptive variation. Repeated evolution of the same adaptive trait offers unique opportunities to investigate genetic underpinning of rapid adaptation, ultimately informing us about the extent to which evolutionary responses to a changing climate might be predictable. This project will advance our knowledge of the ecological and genetic mechanisms underpinning multiple origins of adaptation to heavy metal contaminated soils in Silene uniflora (sea campion) and whether hybridisation has facilitated or hindered adaptation. Sea campion is a predominantly coastal species, native to the UK and Ireland. It has also colonised and adapted to contaminated, disused mines on at least three separate occasions in Wales, England and Ireland within the last 250 years. Silene uniflora also occurs in mainland Europe (Sweden, France and Spain) and it hybridises with its sister species, S. vulgaris, which has also evolved heavy metal tolerance in European sites. Training in laboratory techniques for High throughput DNA sequencing, statistical analysis in R, bioinformatics, genomics and adaptation genetics will be provided. Hosted in the vibrant Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory in Bangor (http://mefgl.bangor.ac.uk/index.php.en) the student will join a new team led by Alex Papadopulos (http://labadopulos.co.uk) researching the genetics and genomics of adaptation in plants. Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in subjects such as Environmental or Natural Sciences. Applicants with first class degrees and/or high-quality Masters qualifications are especially encouraged to apply. See https://tinyurl.com/ycq2de5j for further details about the ENVISION DTP program and how to apply. Closing date for applications: 27/01/19. For informal enquiries, please contact Alex Papadopulos (email ¡V a.papadopulos@bangor.ac.uk, twitter ¡V @Metallophyte, web - http://labadopulos.co.uk/) Mae croeso i chi gysylltu gyda'r Brifysgol yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg You are welcome to contact the University in Welsh or English Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office. Alexander Papadopulos ********************Jobs******************** Assistant Professor Science Unit, Core Curriculum and General Education Office (Post Ref.: 18/176/W) In August 2015, the University created a Science Unit (http://www.ln.edu.hk/ccgeo/science.php) to strengthen teaching, research, and service efforts in the area. We are looking for a productive, high-calibre scholar to broaden the scope and expertise of the Science Unit at the Assistant Professor level. An ideal candidate has experience demonstrating excellence in research and teaching in a liberal arts setting. The candidate should have interdisciplinary research interests that foster collaborations within the Science Unit and across campus, and be able to perform high-quality research in the absence of major laboratory equipment and resources. We are open to applicants from any science discipline that can foster links between the Science Unit and other departments on campus. We are looking for a colleague who relishes the challenge of joining a growing unit in a unique academic environment, so we will consider candidates from all fields of natural sciences. The appointee should share our enthusiasm in promoting science education, and be expected to: (a) teach in the Core Curriculum; (b) develop courses in his/her areas of expertise for the 'Science, Technology, Mathematics and Society' cluster; (c) pursue scholarship in his/her areas of expertise; (d) pursue collaborative research with members of the Science Unit and other staff members of the University; (e) enhance links and collaborations with other universities, NGOs, and industries in Hong Kong and abroad; (f) contribute to the public outreach and knowledge transfer efforts of the Science Unit; (g) contribute to the university's efforts to ensure whole-person development of students of Lingnan University; and (h) undertake other duties as assigned by the University. General Requirements Candidates should have (i) a PhD in a relevant natural science discipline; (ii) the ability to conduct research and publish in leading journals; (iii) evidence of well-developed, fundable, independent research projects; (iv) relevant experience in teaching, especially at the non-majors general education level; and (v) excellent interpersonal and communication skills for developing meaningful collaborations with students and colleagues in a liberal arts setting. Lingnan University is fully committed to the pursuit of excellence in both research and teaching so appointee should demonstrate commitment to both research and teaching excellence. Candidates are required to provide information on their research records and evidence of quality teaching. Appointment The conditions of appointment will be competitive. Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include annual leave, medical and dental benefits, mandatory provident fund, gratuity, housing benefits and incoming passage and baggage allowance for the eligible appointee. Appointment will normally be made on an initial contract of three years, which, subject to review and mutual agreement, may normally lead to longer-term appointment with possibility of consideration for substantiation. Appointment Procedure Applicants are invited to forward their dossier which includes (1) a letter of application discussing how their areas of expertise and relevant teaching and scholarly experience make them a good fit for the Science Unit at Lingnan University, (2) a research statement, (3) a teaching statement, and together with a completed personal data sheet (Form R1 which is obtainable at http://www.LN.edu.hk/hr/employment-opportunities/application-forms) to the Human Resources Office, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong by post or by email: recruit@LN.edu.hk (as attachment in MS Word format) by 28 December 2018. Applicants should provide names and contact information of at least three referees to whom applicants' consent has been given for their providing references. Please specify the post you are applying for and quote the reference number of the post in all correspondence. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a campus visit to meet with the selection panel and to demonstrate their concerns about student learning, their abilities in teaching and curriculum development, and their plans for the development of their research programme. Personal data collected will be used for recruitment purposes only. Further information on the University and its programmes and activities can be found on the University's web site: http://www.LN.edu.hk. Enquiries can be directed to recruit@LN.edu.hk. (Note: If you have applied in our previous recruitment, you are not required to submit your application again. Your application has been kept on file and will be considered again.) jonfong@ln.edu.hk ********************Jobs******************** The University of Chicago's Department of Ecology & Evolution in the Biological Sciences Division is searching for a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at any rank, and invites applications from those pursuing research on statistical molecular evolution and phylogenetics, and in related areas. At The University of Chicago, we are committed to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff, and student body. The University is a vibrant center of scientific discovery and innovation, and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration are abundant, both within and outside the Biological Sciences Division. The Division, other academic units of the University, and the University of Chicago Medical Center, are all contained within one compact campus in Chicago's Hyde Park. Appointees will have access to state-of-the-art core facilities and to outstanding colleagues and graduate students affiliated with numerous degree-granting programs within and outside the biological sciences. Competitive research space and start-up funding will be available, as will the potential for interactions with our affiliates, Argonne National Laboratory and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent. To be considered, those interested must apply online at the University of Chicago's Academic Career Opportunities website academiccareers.uchicago.edu/applicants/Central?quickFindU919. Applicants must upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae with bibliography, and statements on past and prospective research and teaching. Three publications or preprints must also be uploaded. Applicants for assistant professorships must arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly by the referee to choman@uchicago.edu. All letters must be received before an application can be considered complete. Applications for associate and full professorships must include the names and contact information for three references. Review of complete applications will begin on January 14, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination at http://www.uchicago.edu/about/non_discrimination_statement/. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-0287 or email ACOppAdministrator@uchicago.edu with their request. Sarah Cobey, PhD Associate Professor Department of Ecology & Evolution cobey@uchicago.edu cobey@uchicago.edu ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoc in Gene Drive Risk Assessment (Theoretical Biology), Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology One postdoctoral position (duration of 1 year) is available in the Gokhale lab at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Ploen, Germany as a part of the project funded by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt fuer Naturschutz). This theory project aims to assess the risks posed by the various gene drive systems if they are to be for released in the European Union. The aim is to assess risks of existing theoretical and experimental drive systems in terms of spread, resistance evolution and ethical concerns. Using gene drive mechanisms, desired genes can be increased in frequency in a target population with an aim of population transformation, suppression or even eradication. It typically involves the distortion of Mendelian inheritance and is thus a property of sexually reproducing populations. This raises questions about the risk of spread of such constructs, their penetrance and ecological effects. Legal and ethical concerns will also be a major point in policy making. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with expertise in theoretical models of population genetics, dynamics and ecological modeling. A prior experience in gene drive systems modeling is not required but would be an asset. The project will be developed in close collaboration with BOKU (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences) in Vienna, Austria. The program is structured and the output is publication based as the goal is to provide the BfN with actionable content in terms of policy making. Salary and benefits are according to the German public service pay scale (TVoeD Bund) and are commensurate with training and experience. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply. Consideration of applications will begin in February 2019. The projected start date is in early-mid 2019. Any informal enquires should be directed to Dr. Chaitanya S. Gokhale or to Dr. R. Guy Reeves (reeves@evolbio.mpg.de). Please visit the group website for further details on the kind of work we do, http://tecoevo.github.io Complete applications should include: - a statement of research interests and why you have applied for this position, - your CV, and - three reference contacts in a single PDF document. sent to gokhale@evolbio.mpg.de Deadline: 31 January 2019 Chaitanya S. Gokhale gokhale@evolbio.mpg.de ********************PostDocs******************** 32 month, full-time postdoctoral researcher in School of Natural Sciences, Bangor, UK Forecasting biodiversity losses in Wallacea from ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher in genomics and spatial analysis to join an exciting, NERC-funded project investigating the evolution and diversification of taxa on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The successful candidate will be one of two post-doctoral researchers working on this highly collaborative project with researchers at Bangor University, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Nottingham. The post-doctoral researcher will join the Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory (http://mefgl.bangor.ac.uk/) at Bangor University and spend a portion of their time at the University of Nottingham. The project will integrate state-of-the-art eco-evolutionary modelling with new and existing ecological and evolutionary data across eukaryotic taxa and soil microbes to deliver fresh understanding of the processes responsible for the generation, diversification, and persistence of Wallacea's endemic biodiversity. The project will generate a calibrated model (called ForeWall ' Forecasting for Wallacea) which will forecast biodiversity dynamics across a suite of taxa under alternative future scenarios of land use and climate change. The Bangor post-doctoral researcher will collate and analyse existing spatial and genetic data for the Sulawesi biota and produce new genomic data for two damselfly genera represented, which are in the process of diversification on Sulawesi. Additionally, they will also investigate three groups of soil microbes, which perform a key ecosystem function (nitrification) Candidates should hold a PhD (or near completion) in evolution, ecology or genetics and have research experience in evolutionary biology, molecular ecology or a related discipline, preferably in relation to population genetics of wild organisms. The post-doctoral researcher will be responsible for the generation and analysis of genomic data for Sulawesi damselflies and metabarcoding data for prokaryotes. They will collate and analyse existing genetic and spatial data for other Sulawesi taxa in collaboration with the project's expert partners. Basic molecular genetic wet lab skills, genetic data handling/analysis skills and field working experience are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively on writing and analysis for publication. Experience in bioinformatics, population genetic/phylogenetic analysis of genomic data, tropical fieldworking, geographic information systems, and knowledge of genetic analysis for eukaryotes and prokaryotes is highly desirable. This is a fixed term appointment for 32 months. Starting Salary: pounds 33,199 pa (Grade 7). Preferred start date is 01/02/19 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications will only be accepted via the on-line recruitment website (jobs.bangor.ac.uk). See https://tinyurl.com/yb4ofxne and https://tinyurl.com/ydge3y2a for further details. Closing date for applications: 09/01/19. For informal enquiries contact Alex Papadopulos (a.papadopulos@bangor.ac.uk) About MEFGL Bangor The Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory (MEFGL) is a leading research division of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), within the College of Natural Sciences at Bangor University. The MEFGL represents one of Europe's largest centres focusing on population, species and community diversity of aquatic animals, with additional activities on prokaryotic and eukaryotic groups, including plants, fungi and microbes throughout terrestrial and aerobiological biomes. Mae croeso i chi gysylltu gyda'r Brifysgol yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg You are welcome to contact the University in Welsh or English Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office. Alexander Papadopulos ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoc opportunity on the evolution of insecticide resistance at SLU, Sweden. We look for a highly motivated postdoc to study the impact of host plant range on the evolution of insecticide resistance in pest insects. The project period is 2 years, funded by a taxfree scholarship from Carl Tryggers Foundation. Project description An increased number of phytophagous pest insects have developed resistance to the available insecticides. According to the pre-adapted hypothesis, insecticide resistance readily evolves in herbivorous insects since they already are adapted to tolerate and resist chemical defences of their host plants. Recent research has suggested that generalists are more prone to evolve insecticide resistance and, moreover, that insecticide resistance may evolve when insects expand their host plant range. This opens up for the converse hypothesis that evolution of insecticide resistance could select for an increased degree of generalism, i.e. an extended use of host plant species, in the insect. This project aims to investigate the pre-adapted hypothesis in a generalist and a specialist moth species, respectively, as well as the converse hypotheses that insecticide resistance increases host plant range. To study this, we will perform selection experiments combined with transcriptome analysis and entometabolomic profiling. Organisation The project is a collaboration between Dr Kristina Karlsson Green, Prof Peter Anderson and Dr Amit Roy. The postdoc will be based at the department of Plant Protection Biology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp. The molecular analyses may be performed at the Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague. Start date: as soon as possible. Merits We seek a person with a PhD in Biology or equivalent. Previous experience in working with insecticide resistance, selection experiments with insects or molecular analyses is meriting. High motivation and enthusiasm is important, as well as ability to work both independently and in a team. Personal skills are therefore an important part of the evaluation. Application and contact Please send your application including CV, list of publications, copy of PhD diploma, references and personal letter directly to kristina.karlsson.green@slu.se, no later than the 11th of January. Do not hesitate to e-mail if you have further questions! Dr. Kristina Karlsson Green Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 102 SE-230 53 Alnarp Sweden Mobile: +46-737 850238 --- När du skickar e-post till SLU så innebär detta att SLU behandlar dina personuppgifter. For att läsa mer om hur detta går till, klicka här E-mailing SLU will result in SLU processing your personal data. For more information on how this is done, click here ********************PostDocs******************** Post-doc in predicting evolution: 1.Job/ project description: The research will involve using and refining an existing mathematical model of wing morphogenesis to explore whether it can be used to predict how wing morphology changes over generations in an artificial selection experiment. These predictions would be contrasted with predictions stemming from a quantitative genetics analysis of fly populations. The research will take place in the Center of Excellence in Experimental and computational developmental biology of the Biotechnology Institute of the University of Helsinki, Finland. For a full description of the project check the modeling in part of this funded project: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/salazar/SalazarCiudad_research_plan.pdf The job is for 1,5 years. 2. Background: Why organisms are the way they are? Can we understand the processes by which complex organisms are build in each generation and how these evolved? The process of embryonic development is now widely acknowledged to be crucial to understand evolution since any change in the phenotype in evolution (e.g. morphology) is first a change in the developmental process by which this phenotype is produced. Over the years we have come to learn that there is a set of developmental rules that determine which phenotypic variation can possibly arise in populations due to genetic mutation (the so called genotype-phenotype map). Since natural selection can act only on existing phenotypic variation, these rules of development have an effect on the direction of evolutionary change. Our group is devoted to understand these developmental rules and how these can help to better understand the direction of evolutionary change. The ultimate goal is to modify evolutionary theory by considering not only natural selection in populations but also developmental biology in populations. For that aim we combine mathematical models of embryonic development that relate genetic variation to morphological variation with population models. The former models are based on what is currently known in developmental biology. There are two traditional approaches to study phenotypic evolution. One is quantitative genetics and one is developmental evolutionary biology. The former is based in the statistics of the association between genetic relatedness and phenotypic variation between individuals in populations, the latter in the genetic and bio-mechanical manipulation of the development of lab individuals. While the former models trait variation with an statistical linear approach the latter models it by deterministic non-linear models of gene networks and tissue bio-mechanics. For the most, these two approaches are largely isolated from each other. The current project aims to contrast and put together these two approaches in a specific easy to study system: the fly wing. In brief, we are growing fly populations and, in each generation, we select the founders of the next generation based on how close they resemble an arbitrary optimal morphology in their wings (based on the proportions between several of their traits). In each generation also, we estimate the G matrix and the selection gradient to see how well one can predict evolution in the next generation. The quantitative genetics predictions will be contrasted with the predictions stemming from a wing morphogenesis model that we built based on our current understanding of wing developmental biology (see Dev Cell. 2015 Aug 10;34(3):310-22 for the model and for slightly similar approaches: Nature. 2013 May 16;497(7449):361-4. and Nature. 2010 Mar 25;464(7288):583-6). Our center of excellence includes groups working in tooth, wing, hair and mammary glands development. In addition to evolutionary and developmental biologists the center of excellence includes bioinformaticians, populational and quantitative geneticists, systems biologists and paleontologists. The group leaders of the center involved in this project are Jukka Jernvall, Salazar-Ciudad and Shimmi. 'The Academy of Finland's Centres of Excellence are the flagships of Finnish research. They are close to or at the very cutting edge of science in their fields, carving out new avenues for research, developing creative research environments and training new talented researchers for the Finnish research system.' 3. Requirements: The applicant must hold a PhD in either evolutionary biology, developmental biology or, preferably, in evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo). Applicants with a PhD in theoretical or mathematical biology are also welcome. Programming skills or a willingness to acquire them is required. The most important requirement is a strong interest and motivation on science and evolution. A capacity for creative and critical thinking is also required. 4. Description of the position: The fellowship will be for a period of up to 1,5 years (100% research work: no teaching involved). Salary according to Finnish postdoc salaries. 5. The application must include: -Motivation letter including a statement of interests -CV (summarizing degrees obtained, subjects included in degree and grades, average grade). -Summary of PhD project, its main conclusions and its underlying motivation. -Application should be sent to: isaac.salazar@helsinki.fi No official documents are required for the application first stage but these may be required latter on. 6. Deadline: There is no specific deadline but the position will start in July 2019. 7. Interested candidates should check the centres page: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/evodevo/ECDev.html "Salazar, Isaac" ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, there are still a few spots available for our course "Analysis of single cell RNA-seq data" from the 25th February to 1st March 2019 in Berlin. Course website: https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course18/ INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Ayshwarya Subramanian (Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) Dr. Dana Silverbush (Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) Dr. Ehsan Habibi (Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) Course overview In recent years single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has become widely used for transcriptome analysis in many areas of biology. In contrast to bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq provides quantitative measurements of the expression of every gene in a single cell. However, to analyze scRNA-seq data, novel methods are required and some of the underlying assumptions for the methods developed for bulk RNA-seq experiments are no longer valid. In this course we will cover all steps of the scRNA-seq processing, starting from the raw reads coming off the sequencer. The course includes common analysis strategies, using state-of-the-art methods and we also discuss the central biological questions that can be addressed using scRNA-seq. Targeted Audience & Assumed Background This course is aimed at researchers and technical workers who are or will be analyzing scRNA-seq data. The material is suitable both for experimentalists who want to learn more about data-analysis as well as computational biologists who want to learn about scRNASeq methods. Examples demonstrated in this course can be applied to any experimental protocol or biological system. The requirements for this course are: i- Working knowledge of unix (managing files, running programs) ii- Programming experience in R (writing a function, basic I/O operations, variable types, using packages). iii- Bioconductor experience is a plus. iv- Familiarity with NGS data and its analyses (using alignment and quantification tools for bulk sequencing data) Teaching Format The course will be delivered over the course of five days. Each day will include a lecture and laboratory component. The lecture will introduce the topics of discussion and the laboratory sessions will be focused on practical hands-on analysis of scRNA-seq data. These sessions will involve a combination of both mirroring exercises with the instructor to demonstrate a skill as well as applying these skills on your own to complete individual exercises. After and during each exercise, interpretation of results will be discussed as a group. Computing will be done using a combination of tools installed on the attendees laptop computer and web resources accessed via web browser. EXAMPLE DATA Please find example datasets here: https://support.10xgenomics.com/single-cell-gene-expression/datasets Here is the full list of our courses and Workshops: https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us : info@physalia-courses.org Best regards, Carlo Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org http://www.physalia-courses.org/ Twitter: @physacourses mobile: +49 15771084054 https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/physalia-courses "info@physalia-courses.org" ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Bocas del Toro Research Station presents: Understanding Basal Metazoan Relationships: Sponges Dates: June 24 ' July 15, 2019 Location: Bocas del Toro Research Station, Bocas del Toro, Panama Registration Fee: $1000 (includes room and board, STRI registration fee, etc.) Some need-based fellowships are available Instructors: Dr. Rachel Collin, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Dr. Cristina Diaz, Nova Southeastern University, USA Dr. Cole Easson, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Dr. Cara Fiore, Appalachian State University, USA Dr. Chris Freeman, College of Charleston, USA Dr. Eduardo Hajdu, Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil Dr. Giselle Lôbo-Hajdu, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil Dr. Thierry Perez, CNRS, IMBE, Station Marine d'Endoume, Marseille, France Dr. Robert Thacker, Stony Brook University, USA This course is intended for graduate students, post-docs, or professionals who are interested in learning and applying knowledge about the taxonomy, evolution, and ecology of one of the most conspicuous organisms in tropical benthic ecosystems, marine sponges. The students participating in this course will: (1) learn to describe and identify the most common sponges living on the mangroves and shallow coral reefs of the Bocas del Toro region; (2) learn general biological and ecological characteristics of marine sponges; (3) gain hands-on ecological and taxonomic experience with tropical marine sponges; (4) learn basic ecological survey techniques; and (5) learn how to conduct physiological experiments with sponges. This course seeks to give the participants the necessary tools to continue studies on the taxonomy, systematics, ecology, and/or evolution of sponges. This edition of the course will also include discussions of the origins of Metazoa, and the relative phylogenetic placements of sponges, cnidarians, and ctenophores. The course will last 21 days, with seven days mostly dedicated to taxonomic training, seven days to evolutionary and ecological work, and seven days dedicated to a selected project, and its presentation. Daily activities will include: morning and afternoon lectures, field trips, laboratory work, and evening discussions or talks. Application: This course is directed towards advanced graduate students, post-docs, and young investigators, and will be conducted in English. Please e-mail your CV, 1 letter of recommendation, and a 1-2 page statement explaining your background and reasons for taking the course, to bocasresearchstation@gmail.com before January 31, 2019. To be considered for a need-based fellowship, applicants should send a description of their need, their efforts to obtain funding from other available sources, and a travel budget. For more information see http://www.stri.si.edu/sites/taxonomy_training/index.html. This course is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation's Office of International Science & Engineering through award number 1828949 to Dr. Rachel Collin. Robert Thacker ********************Conferences******************** Conference announcement: Advances in eDNA-based Approaches to Fish Ecology and Management (Annual Symposium of the Fisheries Society of the British Isles; FSBI2019): Place: University of Hull, UK, Time: 15-19 July 2019 https://www.fsbi.org.uk/annual-symposia/symposium-2019/ Confirmed Keynote speakers: Chris Jerde (USA); Alice Valentini (France); Kristy Deiner (Switzerland); Michael Traugott (Austria); Didier Pont (France); Dianne Gleeson (Australia) Scientific Advisory Committee: Bernd Hänfling (UK, Convenor); Lori Lawson-Handley (UK), Stefano Mariani (UK); Kerry Walsh (UK); Neil Gemmell (NZ); Jens Carlsson (IRE); Florian Leese (GER); Ian Winfield (UK), Sarah Helyar (UK) Deadline for Abstract Submission: 11th January 2019 https://www.fsbi.org.uk/abstract-submission/ Over the last ten years the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become one of the most promising new approaches to obtain biodiversity data in aquatic environments, especially for fish. The technologies which underpin eDNA research evolve constantly, leading to a rapidly increasing quality and quantity of data. This has opened up exciting new opportunities for applied and fundamental research alike, but also challenges in terms of data analysis and interpretation. eDNA methods are rapidly penetrating biomonitoring for management purposes and increasing our understanding of ecological interactions within communities and of the drivers for biodiversity decline. Sessions on eDNA have become a regular feature of fisheries and ecological conferences but to date there has been no dedicated conference for eDNA research. This symposium will, for the first time, bring together the international community of fish eDNA research and provide an overview of the field. We are adopting a broad definition of eDNA to include DNA which has not been sampled directly from the targeted organism, including DNA extracted from water and sediment as well as from faecal and gut samples. Topics will range from the development of methods to addressing fundamental ecological questions, as well as applied aspects of biodiversity monitoring and include: - Fisheries and conservation issues in freshwater and marine fish communities - Monitoring and predicting the spread and impact of invasive fish - Molecular food webs and trophic interactions - Fish pathogen and parasite detection - The dynamics and ecology of fish eDNA in the environment - Methodological advances, incl. metagenomics, population level analysis, new technologies - eDNA based monitoring and translation into policies Mariani Stefano