PhD: Speciation Genomics of Butterfly Eye Size We invite applications for a DFG funded PhD position to study the Speciation Genomics of Eye Size Variation in Butterflies. The student will join the Behaviour and Speciation Group led by Prof Richard Merrill at LMU Munich, and is also expected to join the International Max Planck Research School - Biological Intelligence (IMPRS-BI) . APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31st May 2025 (see below for details of how to apply) Informal enquiries to: merrill@bio.lmu.de The project. The major objective of this project is to understand the molecular basis and evolution of eye size variation in tropical Heliconius butterflies, and how it may contribute to a barrier to gene flow between species. Heliconiusbutterflies are a classic study organism in evolutionary biology, and rely heavily on vision for foraging and mate choice. We have previously shown that corneal area and ommatidia number vary both within and between species, that this variation relates to visual acuity (the ability to resolve spatial detail), and that it is likely an adaptation to different visual environments (see references below). Taking advantage of extensive collections of wild-caught butterflies and established genetic crosses, the student will characterize eye size variation within and between species, focusing on Heliconius melpomene and its close relatives. The student will use GWAS and QTL mapping techniques to address our overall aim of identifying genetic loci associated with this variation, and then test whether these loci overlap with known reproductive barrier loci (i.e., whether they contribute to speciation). As such, the student will gain experience in both morphological and genomic analysis. They will be encouraged to attend the Workshop on Population and Speciation Genomics , or a similar training opportunity, as well as present their findings locally and at international conferences. Depending on interests and progress, the project could be extended to include field experiments in the tropics and/or functional work (e.g., CRISPR-based approaches) etc. Suggested background reading: 1. Wright, D.S., Rodriguez, J., Ammer, L., Darraughm K., Kuo C-Y, McMillan W.O., Jiggins, C.D., Montgomery, S.H. & Merrill, R.M. (2024) Selection drives divergence of outer eye morphology in sympatric Heliconius butterflies . Evolution: 78: 1338-1346 2. Merrill, R.M., Dasmahapatra, K., Davey, J., Dell'Aglio, D., Hanly J.J, Huber B., Jiggins C.D., Joron, M., Kozak K., Llaurens V., Martin S.H., Montgomery S.H., Morris, J., Pinharanda A.L., Rosser N., Thompson M.J., Vanjari, S., Wallbank R.W., Yu, Q. (2015) The diversification of Heliconius butterflies. What have we learned in 150 years? J. Evolutionary Biology 28: 1417-38. 3. Kittelmann, M. & McGregor, A. P. (2024) Looking across the gap: Understanding the evolution of eyes and vision among insects . BioEssays: 2300240. 4. Rossi, M., Hausmann, A.E., Alcami, P., Möst, M., Roussou, R., Van Bellegham, S., Wright, D.S., Kuo, C-Y, Lozano, D., Maulana, A., Melo-Flórez, L., Rueda, G., McMahon, S., Linares, M., Osman, C., McMillan, W.O., Pardo-Diez, C., Salazar, C. & Merrill, R.M. (2024) Adaptive introgression of a visual preference gene . Science 383: 1368-1373. *Show-casing the kinds of approaches we take*. You. Primarily, we are seeking a self-motivated candidate with strong interest in evolutionary biology/genetics. The student will be expected to work independently, but also part of a team both within LMU and the broader international Heliconius community. As such, strong written and oral communication skills, and a proficiency in English are required. Prior experience in (i) morphological analyses, (ii) statistical analysis and coding (e.g., R, Python, bash), (iii) genetic data analysis, would be an advantage but is not required. Evidence of the above will strongly favour the applicant. To enrol in the graduate school, the candidate must have a master's degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject. Position and Environment. Funding is guaranteed for at least 3 years, at standard DFG rates for PhD students (i.e. 65% TVöD E13). This includes mandatory contributions to full health insurance and 30 days of paid leave/year. The project would ideally start in September 2025, but we could be flexible for the right candidate. The Merrill lab is broadly interested in how sensory and behavioural phenotypes contribute to population divergence and speciation. To address this, we take an interdisciplinary approach, using methods ranging from ecological and behavioural experiments in the tropics to neuroanatomy and population genomics. Further information (including links to papers) can be found here . We are located within the Division of Evolutionary Biology (and the wider Munich EvoGen community), which includes broad expertise across evolutionary biology and genomics. We pride ourselves on our flat hierarchy, as well as being a friendly community. The Faculty of Biology at LMU additionally includes an array of behavioural biologists. LMU is frequently ranked among the top research universities worldwide. It is situated in Munich, a beautiful, green, and highly international city located in the heart of Europe, close to the Alps and other major European cultural centres (e.g., Prague, Italy, and Vienna). It is also among the most liveable cities in Europe. The student will have an opportunity to apply to the IMPRS-BI program . Acceptance into IMPRS-BI via an independent assessment will provide further training and networking opportunities for the successful candidate. The working language of the lab, the department, and the IMPRS is English. How to apply. We are looking forward to receiving your application and will immediately start reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the deadline of 31st May 2025. Please send an email (subject "EYE PHD") to Richard Merrill (merrill@bio.lmu.de), with a single pdf ( ) including a letter of motivation, current curriculum vitae, a list of publications (if any) and contact details of two referees. Applications must be written in English. Applications that do not follow these instructions may not be reviewed. Prof. Dr. Richard Merrill Division of Evolutionary Biology Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München https://www.evol.bio.lmu.de/research/merrill/index.html Richard Merrill (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)