PhD position: Population genomics of wild rodents and their microbes

A PhD position is available for research on the genomic consequences of
population isolation, speciation and hybridization and their feedback
on associated microbes. This will contribute to answering fundamental
questions such as: What is the importance of adaptive and neutral
processes during evolutionary divergence? How tight is the association
between microorganisms and their hosts? We will address this through
analyses of existing and new genomic data sets of Microtusvoles and their
microbes. The project can be adjusted in part to your specific interests
but I expect to build on our recent publications below. You will also
have the opportunity to contribute to other projects in the group.

I am looking for a skilled, creative and highly-motivated candidate who is
able to work independently and in a team. You must have a solid background
in evolutionary biology, and practical experience with bioinformatics and
population genomics. If you have no experience in this field, this is not
the right project for you.You should enjoy the processing and analysis
of large genomic data sets. Experience with molecular laboratory work or
fieldwork on small mammals is a plus but not essential. A Master degree
in a relevant field is required. The project may include short periods
of fieldwork, so a valid driver's license is beneficial. Obtaining
a PhD from the University of Bern will require the writing of several
manuscripts for leading scientific journals.

The position is fully funded for three to four years with an anticipated
starting date of March 2025. My group is part of the Institute of Ecology
and Evolution with a stimulating, multi-national research community
and excellent infrastructure. English is the working language. Some
knowledge of German or French is beneficial for living in Switzerland
but it is not essential for the PhD project.

Please send your application as a single (!!!) pdf file to
Prof. Dr. Gerald Heckel gerald.heckel@unibe.ch.  To be considered,
the pdf must include a letter describing your particular skills and
motivation for the position and which past research experience makes you
a suitable candidate (max. 2 pages), the abstract of your Master thesis,
a CV, and contact details of 2-3 referees. Review of applications will
begin December 16 2024.

References:

Labutin & Heckel 2024. Genome-wide support for incipient Tula hantavirus
species within a single rodent host lineage. Virus Evolution 10:1-14.

Saxenhofer, Labutin, White, Heckel 2022. Host genetic factors associated
with the range limit of a European hantavirus. Molecular Ecology
31:252-265.

Wang, Peischl, Heckel. 2023. Demographic history and genomic consequences
of 10,000 generations of isolation in a wild mammal. Current Biology
33:2051-2062.

Wang & Heckel 2024. Genome-wide relaxation of selection and the evolution
of the island syndrome in Orkney voles. Genome Research 34:851-862.

Prof. Dr. Gerald Heckel

Institute of Ecology and Evolution
University of Bern
Baltzerstrasse 6
CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
Email: gerald.heckel@unibe.ch

"gerald.heckel@unibe.ch" <gerald.heckel@unibe.ch>

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