PhD: HHU_PlantEcologicalGenetics_2024

The Institute for Plant Ecology and Evolution at the Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences of Heinrich Heine University (HHU)
Duesseldorf, Germany, invites applications for a

PhD (w/m/d) (50 %, EG 13 TV-L, for 3 years):
Rapid Evolution to Changing Environments in Brassicaceae: Bridging
Ecology and Genetics

To be filled as soon as possible

Our research focuses on the responses of plant populations to climate
change and attempts at disentangling the relative contributions of
adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, and range shifts. We also aim to
identify the drivers of rapid contemporary evolution and to uncover the
genetic basis of climate change adaptation. To examine these themes,
we combine traditional field- and greenhouse-based studies, as well as
the resurrection approach, with quantitative genetics and ecological
genomics. Our lab is integrated in the research initiative TRR 341 on
Plant Ecological Genetics (https://trr341.uni-koeln.de/).

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to study the ecological and
genetic adaptation to changing environments in the annual Brassica rapa
and closely related Brassicaceae species. The candidate is also encouraged
to develop related projects within the lab's research framework. The
position has a teaching requirement of 2 SWS (contact hours per week).

YOUR TASKS:
- Use the resurrection approach to study rapid evolution in Californian
  Brassica rapa populations in response to drought and examine potential
  costs of adaptation under water and nutrient limitations (i.e., common
  garden experiment)
- Conduct fieldwork for in situ sampling and scoring of local
  Brassicaceae species and populations and subsequent common garden
  experiments to identify intraspecific trait and genetic variation
  underlying ecological diversification and local adaptation
- Apply statistical and computational tools for the analysis of trait,
  environmental, and next-generation sequencing data
- Present research results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed
  scientific journals
- Supervise and mentor students in the lab

YOUR PROFILE: 
- MSc in the field of plant biology, ecology, botany, evolutionary or
  population genetics, quantitative biology or related
- Strong interest in plant ecological genetics, quantitative and
  evolutionary biology, contemporary evolution, and field ecology
- Experience conducting large multi-factorial plant experiments (i.e.,
  common gardens, reciprocal transplants, etc.) is preferred
- Experience in the use of statistical data analysis and programming
  languages (e.g., R, Java, Python) is preferred
- Experience with population genetics, NGS data, SNP calling, genome
  annotation, standard molecular techniques is preferred
- The languages spoken in the group are English and German -
  demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English is
  essential (written and spoken) and German would be preferred
- Good interspersonal skills (i.e., communication, cooperation, motivate
  others, open-minded, etc.)
- Lawful ability to work in the EU (i.e., Schengen residence/work
  permit)

WE OFFER:
- A unique, dynamic, and interdisciplinary research network in the field
  of Plant Ecological Genetics (TRR 341), funded by the DFG, that
  bundles the expertise of excellent scientists from seven different
  research institutions
- A comprehensive training program with targeted scientific education in
  the field of Plant Ecological Genetics as well as complementary
  training supporting your personal and career development (GEcoGen,
  iGRAD, JUNO, HeRA)
- Family-friendly and multicultural working environment

TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should send their application (Cover letter including
statement of interest - max. 2 pages, CV including publication list,
contact info of two references, BSc and MSc certificates) by e-mail
(one single pdf-file) until 30.04.2024 to elena.hamann@hhu.de.

If you have further questions on the project or position,
please contact Prof. Elena Hamann and see lab website
https://www.biologie.hhu.de/institute-und-abteilungen/institute-hhu/pflanzenoekologie.

"Hamann, Elena" <Elena.Hamann@hhu.de>

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