The Conservatory and Botanical Garden of Geneva (CJBG) and Geneva
University (UniGE) seek a PhD student

Title of the project: A biosystematic revision of the family Cribrariaceae
Function: Doctoral candidate and university assistant, 70%
Contract starting date: 1 February 2025 (4 years)

Job description:
The present project is focused on the systematics and evolution of one of
the most neglected groups of *Myxomycetes* (*Amoebozoa*), the family
*Cribrariaceae* (ca. 50 accepted species). The generic and species
boundaries, as well as the evolution of phenotypic traits, have never been
analysed in detail, and especially not in a phylogenetic context and with
modern techniques. We will assess the phylogenetic relationships of the
species using a fair taxonomic and molecular sampling, including NGS
techniques and phylogenomic analyses. Next, we will explore the evolution
of some phenotypic traits (notably, the sporophore macromorphology and the
spore ornamentation, but also other characters) and the ecology of the
species, to assess its relevance for the taxonomy and diversification of
the group. Finally, we will address the species-level taxonomy, identify
new species and cryptic taxa, and evaluate synonymies. With all this
information, we expect to propose a revised classification and an updated
monograph of the family. Most of the skills and data analyses learned by
the candidate upon completion of the project will also be applicable to the
systematics, taxonomy, and evolutionary biology of other groups of
organisms.

Within the research project, the candidate will profit from aid, guidance,
and supervision in the different steps of the project, from specimen
handling, data gathering and analyses, to presentation of the results, and
scientific writing. In addition, the candidate is expected to build up a
network of national and international collaborations, perform short stays
abroad, and become used to the dynamic of scientific research to become an
independent researcher.
The assistant position is under the direction of Dr. Juan Carlos Zamora
(CJBG) and Dr. Carlos Lado (RJB-CSIC), and Yamama Naciri (CJBG, UniGE) as
responsible professor.

Required degrees and skills:
- Master's degree in biology or in a Biosystematics-related topic in
Environmental/Chemistry/Health Sciences.
- Motivation to engage in the research project and in scientific research,
including: (i) field work and in vitro cultures, (ii) data gathering and
analyses, (iii) writing of a doctoral thesis, (iv) presentation and
dissemination of the project results (scientific journal publication,
congresses, and others).
- Skills in Fungal/Botanical Systematics and Taxonomy, especially
microscopy.
- Skills in molecular lab and phylogenetic analyses.
- Interest for the morphological, evolutionary, and taxonomic study of
Myxomycetes.
- Good disposition to work in a team and to participate in the scientific
life of the host institute.
- Proficiency in written and spoken French (mother tongue or a minimum of
level B2 in CEFR scale) to ensure an adequate flow of the practical classes
of the Systematics and Biodiversity course, given in Biology to 2 year
students, which she/he would be responsible for.
- The working language of the project being English, the candidate must
also be particularly comfortable in this language (written and spoken)

Application process:
Application deadline: 31 August 2024
The application file (in English), including (1) a motivation letter and
(2) a detailed CV, should be sent exclusively by e-mail to
*jcsenoret@gmail.com* (Juan Carlos Zamora), cc.
*lado@rjb.csic.es*, *yamama.naciri@geneve.ch*

Juan Carlos Zamora Señoret <jcsenoret@gmail.com>

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