Population genomics of speciation in primates Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Computer Science programme. The position is available from August 2024 or later. Title: Population genomics of speciation in primates Research area and project description: If you have strong skills in data science and are interested in basic evolutionary questions, then these is a PhD position available. The student will be tightly involved with designing specific research projects in the general area discussed below. How new species form is a basic unsolved question in evolutionary biology. This position will use modelling and large-scale analysis to identify both processes and specific candidate genes responsible for speciation in primates. This is part of a larger ERC funded project that integrates surveys of spermatogenesis and genome analysis to address these questions. Genomics data from more multiple individuals of more than 300 primate species will be available at the start of the project and a framework called TRAILS (Rivas-Gonzalez et al., 2024, PLOS Genetics) for analysis has recently been published. New models can also be employed to analyse how the different species have split throughout the phylogeny. Specific focus will be on groups that often hybridise such as macaque species, baboon species and gibbon species, but also the speciation process of human and Neanderthal can be investigated. Primate X chromosomes evolve extraordinarily fast and are also tightly associated with the establishment of reproductive barriers between emerging species and these can be of specific focus. The results of these evolutionary studies will be intersected with analysis of gene expression during spermatogenesis at the single cell level generated in the research group in order to identify potential functional roles of the genes involved with speciation. The results will also be translated to understand better what causes reduced fertility in men. Candidates interested in further information should please contact Mikkel Heide Schierup (mheide@birc.au.dk, or +4527782889) Please upload a project description (½-4 pages). This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences: Applicants must have at least one year of a Master's degree in molecular biology, mathematics, statistics, bioinformatics or similar and have an interest in addressing biological problems with large scale data analyses. An interest in evolutionary biology and/or population genetics will be an advantage. The PhD study can be three years (with an MSc) or four years (with one year of an MSc completed at the time of enrollment) Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Bioinformatics Research Centre, Universitetsbyen, Building 1872, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor Mikkel Heide Schierup (mheide@birc.au.dk) How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see theApplication guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2024) Choose May 2024 Call with deadline 1 May 2024 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme "Population genomics of speciation in primates (Pogspp)". In the boxed named "Study":In the dropdown menu, please choose: "Computer Science" Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. Onour website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. Aarhus University's ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Mikkel HeideSchierup Novo Nordisk Distinguished Investigator Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, building 1872 8000 Aarhus C Denmark Ph: +4527782889 Email:mheide@birc.au.dk Mikkel Heide Schierup (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)