Project description:
The aim of the project is to examine the evolution of sex determination
across amniotes, a species-rich group which includes reptiles, birds and
mammals. Amniotes include distinct lineages with either XX/XY, ZZ/ZW
or temperature-dependent sex determination. Sex chromosomes evolved
from a pair of autosomes, where the emergence of a sex-determining
locus triggered gradual structural changes such as accumulation of
sexual antagonistic alleles, recombination arrest, accumulation of
repeats, loss of functional genes and heterochromatinization. This
model represents the classical paradigm for decades. Recently, large
variability in sex chromosomes was documented in non-model species,
questioning the role of previously assumed evolutionary drivers and other
aspects of sex chromosome differentiation. It remains unclear why amniote
lineages differ so substantially in the degree of differentiation of sex
chromosomes. Using advanced genetic and genomic methods, the PhD candidate
will attempt to solve long standing enigmas concerning the role of sexual
antagonism, chromosome rearrangements, repetitive elements and gene dose
regulatory mechanisms in the differentiation rate of sex chromosomes in
selected lineages of amniote vertebrates.

Qualifications:
The applicant should possess Master degree (or equivalent title)
and a proven expertise in a related field of biology. A previous
experience in molecular genetics, cytogenetics or bioinformatics
(genomics/transcriptomics) is essential for a successful PhD
candidate. Good knowledge of the English language is required.

Financial support:
The PhD position will be financially supported by scholarship for maximum
time of 4 years. Additional support will be provided from projects
financed from Grant Agency of Czech Republic.

Application:
Please send by email to Dr. Michail Rovatsos (rovatsom@natur.cuni.cz)
the following:
- Motivation letter to present why you fit to the advertised position
  (max. 1 page).
- A detailed CV (max. 2 pages).
- Contact details of two potential academic referees.

Deadline for applications until Sunday 8/12/2024. Suitable candidates
will be interviewed until 15/12/2024. Position starts on April 2025.

For any additional information, do not hesitate to write an email to
Dr. Michail Rovatsos (rovatsom@natur.cuni.cz). Info about the team's
activities in our website: https://mirovatsos.wordpress.com/

Michail Rovatsos

Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology
Faculty of Science
Charles University
Vinicna 7, 12844 Prague
Czech Republic

"Michail Rovatsos, Ph.D." <michail.rovatsos@natur.cuni.cz>

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