********************GradStudentPositions******************** THESIS: BODY PIERCING AND PAST HUMAN MIGRATIONS PHD THESIS PROPOSAL NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, PARIS, FRANCE Recommended background: Archaeology, or Anthropology, or Human Population Genetics Lab: Eco-anthropologie UMR 7206, Musée de l'Homme, Paris, France Duration: 3 years (starting Fall 2020) Supervisors: Franz Manni and Evelyne Heyer Net salary: 1,400 Euro Contact Email : franz.manni@mnhn.fr How to apply: Contact us before the 11th of June 2020, sending a short motivation letter, a CV and a list of available Master 2 exams scores. Candidates will be contacted back.The best candidate will have to prepare some paperwork by the June, 19, 2020 to be admitted to a formal Skype interview of 20 minutes (10 minutes to illustrate the project and 10 minutes for questions) to be set 1-3, July, 2020. Description of the PhD project For a French version see the PDF below at page 85 http://formation.mnhn.fr/sites/depf.mnhn.fr/files/atoms/files/catalogue_sujets_concours_ed227_edition2020.pdf This PhD project is aimed at investigating the spread of ancestral body piercing practices in relation to past human migrations. This is to say that body piercing is here considered as a vertically transmissible cultural trait, maybe having a limited number of origins in time and space. Like other body modifications (skull deformations, teeth alterations, scarifications, tattoos, neck elongation, etc.), body piercing relies on a very specific and quite complex know-how. Although its symbolism is variable, diachronically and synchronously, the practice actually relies on the method used to create, heal and enlarge a "tunnel" in the flesh: when the know-how is lost, the practice becomes hardly possible. This is the research hypothesis of the thesis: The ancestors of the populations who practice(d) body piercing learned how to do it by contact with other populations. The history of body piercing is likely to mirror past human contacts and migrations. To be clear: This doctoral project concerns ONLY the study of traditional body piercing practiced by many peoples in the world, it DOES NOT directly concern "modern" body piercing emerged in California (the "Modern Primitives") in the mid-1970s. Nevertheless, this recent renaissance has shown that several years have been necessary to develop, ex nihilo, a viable body piercing technique, meaning that it is not easy to reinvent body piercing. This is why ancestral ("traditional") body piercing may have persisted only where the know-how related to it has been transmitted through direct learning, generation after generation. The oldest body piercing ornament is dated 46,000 years ago (Langley et al. 2016). Although other body modifications (ex: tattooing) can be as old, body piercing leaves more durable evidence: the ornaments. Easily recognizable by their shape (rounded, cylindrical, conical, or toroidal), their symmetry, weight and polishing, body piercing ornaments will be the major object of study of the thesis. Contemporary or old, they are available in many collections (public or private), this is why fieldwork will not be necessary. The project stems from an exhibition that took place at the Musée de l'Homme , Paris, France (March 2019/2020; curator F. Manni) and related work. The candidate will benefit the help of the research network at the origin of the exhibition (40 researchers, 12 countries: archaeologists, ethnologists, anthropologists, curators). Currently the Network is involved in the writing of a manual on body modifications to be published by an international academic publisher. The outcome of the thesis can be included in it. Objectives of the thesis and worksteps Which ones are the populations practicing or having practiced body piercing? Where are they located? When was body piercing invented? How many times was it invented? How did it spread? None of these issues have been addressed so far. Although body piercing ornaments are not uncommon in archaeological excavations, they have not yet been the subject of systematic attention. At first, the PhD student will create a georeferenced database of the populations practicing (or having practiced) traditional body piercing. Then, she/he will address the issue of its spread. The aim is to test if body-piercing transmission relies on independent origins or, rather, on a vertical transmission in a limited number of populations, disseminating through their migrations and contacts. Likely, some of these migrations are known, described by population geneticists and historical linguists. The interpretation of the diachronic and synchronic cartography of piercing will be based also on them. Studied ornaments will be classified according to their i) shape, ii) materiality, iii) manufacturing techniques and iv) decorations, in order to obtain discrete features leading to a computational phylogeny and classification (matrix of discrete characters, for example presence / absence ) aimed at testing propagation models. The corresponding graphs (phylogenetic trees), the vectors of description, will be aligned with population-genetic, linguistic and archaeological classifications in order to test their congruence, compatibility. This is a well-characterized approach within our lab (CNRS UMR 7206). In a first attempt, the candidate will focus on the labret ornaments (pertaining to body piercings practiced next to the lips) that are found in the Americas: they are specific to this continent because distinct from those found in Asia and Africa (Cybulski 1991; Keddie 1994). The research question is to confirm if this American typology (found from Alaska to the Amazon) originated in the Bering Strait region, later spreading to the East and to the South, following the peopling of the Americas. - Cybulski J.S. 1991. Soc. Scie. Hum. Res. Council of Canada [Report]. Grant # 410-89-1337 - Keddie G. 1994. Session VIII, Prehistoric Trans-Pacific Contacts. Seattle, Aug. 1-6, 1989. - Langley M.C. et al. 2016. Quat. Sci. Rev, 154: 199-213. Franz Manni, PhD, PhD. Maître de conférences / Associate professor CNRS UMR 7206 National Museum of Natural History of Paris Musée de l'Homme 17, place du Trocadéro 75116 Paris - France 0033 1 44 05 73 01 franz.manni@mnhn.fr Franz MANNI ********************Jobs******************** Research Fellow in Statistical Phylogenetics ref: 1867541 UCL Department / Division: Faculty of Life Sciences, Division of Biosciences Specific unit / Sub department: Research Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment Grade: 7 Hours: Full Time Salary: 35,965 - 43,470 per annum (including London allowance) Duties and Responsibilities Working in Professor Ziheng Yang's group at University College London, the post holder will work on a project developing statistical methods and computer software to estimate species divergence times integrating information in genomic sequence data and in the fossil record and morphological characters. The project involves close collaborations with Dr Mario dos Reis of Queen Mary University London and Professor Philip Donoghue of the University of Bristol. The successful candidate will participate in the development of Bayesian inference methods and implementation of computer software for analysing genomic sequence and morphological character data integrating information from genomic sequences, the fossil record, and morphological characters. They may be expected to design and implement computational algorithms, conduct simulation, compile and analyse genomic datasets, and writing up the results for publication in international peer-reviewed journals. For a sample of our recent work in this area, please see dos Reis, et al. (2016. Nat. Rev. Genet. 17:71-80), Warnock et al. (2017. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 284:20170227), Morris, et al. (2018. PNAS 115:E2274-E2283), and Alvarez-Carretero, et al. (2019 Syst. Biol. 68:967-986). The post is funded by the BBSRC for 24 months in the first instance. Key Requirements We seek a research scientist with expertise in computer programming (such as C, R, and Python), Bayesian inference (MCMC), and molecular phylogenetics. A PhD (or working towards a PhD) in one of the following areas is essential: computational statistics, computer science, molecular evolution and phylogenetics, and evolutionary and population genetics. Individuals with a biology PhD are invited to apply if they can demonstrate strong statistical/computational skills. Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary collaborative environment is essential, as is fluency with UNIX/Linux. A proven track record of effective research will be required. Please note: Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary 31,479-33,194 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (including corrections). Further Details Full details on the role and the person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you read these carefully before applying for the post. Your application should include: a brief personal statement (within two pages), explaining how your qualifications and experience make you a good candidate for this job, a CV and names and email addresses of two referees. For informal queries on the role please contact Professor Ziheng Yang FRS at z.yang@ucl.ac.uk. For any queries regarding the application process, please contact Biosciences Staffing on biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk and quote the reference 1867541 To apply for the vacancy please follow the link below: https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?amNvZGU9MTg2NzU0MSZ2dF90ZW1wbGF0ZT05NjUmb3duZXI9NTA0MTE3OCZvd25lcnR5cGU9ZmFpciZicmFuZF9pZD0wJmpvYl9yZWZfY29kZT0xODY3NTQxJnBvc3RpbmdfY29kZT0yMjQ%3D&jcode=1867541&vt_template=965&owner=5041178&ownertype=fair&brand_id=0&job_ref_code=1867541&posting_code=224 Closing Date: 2 July 2020 Ziheng Yang ********************Other******************** We are looking for eager undergrads, grad students, post-docs, faculty, scientists, and anyone interested in sci comm to highlight new papers in the Journal of Heredity, highlight recent work in other journals that is in keeping with the main aims and missions of the American Genetics Association and the Journal of Heredity, write about field work, or any other topic that fits the remit of the AGA. Blog posts are typically around 500 words, but can be longer (or shorter) depending in the topic. Interested writers should contact the AGA social media editor Stacy Krueger-Hadfield at sakh@uab.edu or Anjanette Baker at theaga@theaga.org. Interested writers will be provided with recent J Hered papers from which to chose and the AGA social media editor will work with writers to edit their pieces. This is a great opportunity for gaining experience in Science Communication! "Krueger-Hadfield, Stacy A" ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Position: Washington State University (Pullman, WA) Microbial Adaptation to Serpentine Soil The labs of Maren Friesen (Washington State University, Pullman) and Stephanie Porter (Washington State University, Vancouver) are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to study the evolutionary and ecological genomics of environmental adaptation in wild Mesorhizobium bacteria. These Mesorhizobia are nitrogen-fixing bacterial symbionts that inhabit the root nodules of a native west coast legume. We have identified a Mesorhizobium genomic island associated with nickel tolerance in generalist lineages that grow on and off nickel-enriched serpentine soil (Porter et al. 2017 ISME), and have expanded this project to encompass ~700 strains. The system has multiple specialist and generalist clades and is poised to address questions about the ecological and genomic determinants of adaptation in wild microbes. This NSF project also includes Joel Griffitts (Brigham Young University) who is testing the molecular genetic basis of nickel tolerance. Our ideal candidate would have a strong quantitative background, firm understanding of evolutionary ecology, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work well in a collaborative team. Training in at least one of genomics, bioinformatics, phylogenetic methods, and/or biostatistics is desirable. The position will be based in Pullman WA and the successful applicant will have access to the excellent facilities at WSU for plant growth, phenomics, genomics, biochemistry, and microscopy. There is a strong intellectual community in the Palouse spanning WSU and our neighbor 7 miles to the east, the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID. Pullman and Moscow are vibrant small towns with a strong sense of community and ready access to outdoor activities. The postdoc will have regular virtual meetings with co-advisor, Dr. Porter, and will visit collaborators at the Vancouver campus twice a year to the extent that travel is safe. Job Duties: Development, organization and implementation of protocols to evaluate the mechanisms of bacterial adaptation; bioinformatic analysis of -omics data including TNseq, bacterial genomes (Illumina and PacBio) and transcriptomes; population and evolutionary genomics analysis; construction and testing of evolutionary ecological models using empirical data; training and supervision of temporary employees; development of experimental designs; summarization, and statistical analysis of data; manuscript preparation and the opportunity to write grant proposals in conjunction with the principal investigators; contribute to an inclusive, collaborative and inspiring lab environment. Qualifications: Required: A Ph.D. degree in evolution, ecology, microbiology, modeling, genomics, or a related discipline at the time of hire. Applicants must have a demonstrated track record of creative, productive research as well as excellent skills in quantitative methods, written and verbal communication, and organization. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Preferred: Apparent background in some aspect of microbial genomics, evolution, ecology, physiology, biochemistry. Availability: The position start date is flexible and is a temporary, 12 month, full-time position. Initial appointment is for one year and may be renewable dependent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes medical benefits. For more information about the position contact Maren Friesen at m.friesen@wsu.edu and/or Stephanie Porter at stephanie.porter@wsu.edu . Screening of application materials will begin June 1 and continue until the position is filled; please apply by June 15 for priority consideration. Apply online: https://wsujobs.com/postings/51840 I am social distancing to the greatest extent possible. By all acting together we can flatten the epidemic curve of COVID-19 and reduce the impacts on our communities. I'm using Inbox When Ready to protect my focus. Maren Friesen ----- Postdoctoral Position: Washington State University (Pullman, WA) Plant-microbe interactions in bioenergy rhizosphere nitrogen cycling The lab of Maren Friesen (Washington State University, Pullman) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to study interactions between the bioenergy crop switchgrass and the rhizosphere microbiome, particularly nitrogen-fixing bacteria, using approaches that span the lab, greenhouse, and field and includes -omics and SIP approaches. This project is a DOE-funded collaboration with the labs of Lisa Tiemann, Sarah Evans, and Jim Cole at Michigan State University and we currently have three years of field data collections and novel diazotrophic bacterial strains that can be leveraged by the candidate. The ideal candidate would have a strong quantitative background, firm understanding of plant-microbe interactions, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work well in a collaborative team. Training in at least one of genomics, bioinformatics, biogeochemistry, and/or biostatistics is desirable. The position will be based in Pullman WA and the successful applicant will have access to the excellent facilities at WSU for plant growth, phenomics, genomics, biochemistry, and microscopy. There is a strong intellectual community in the Palouse spanning WSU and our neighbor 7 miles to the east, the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID. Pullman and Moscow are vibrant small towns with a strong sense of community and ready access to outdoor activities. The postdoc will participate in regular virtual meetings with collaborators in Michigan. Job Duties: Development, organization and implementation of protocols to evaluate the processes and outcomes of plant-microbe interactions including use of stable isotopes; establishment and maintenance of laboratory and greenhouse experiments including analysis of transcriptomes and microbiomes using a suite of high-throughput technologies; isolation and maintenance of beneficial microbial strains, including genomic characterization; mathematical modeling of beneficial interactions and model parameterization using empirical data; development of experimental designs; summarization, and statistical analysis of data; manuscript preparation and the opportunity to write grant proposals in conjunction with the principal investigator; contribute to an inclusive, collaborative and inspiring lab environment. Qualifications: Required: A Ph.D. degree in evolution, ecology, plant biology, microbiology, soil biogeochemistry, genomics, or a related discipline at the time of hire. Applicants must have a demonstrated track record of creative, productive research as well as excellent skills in quantitative methods, written and verbal communication, and organization. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Preferred: Apparent background in some aspect of microbial ecology, plant-microbe interactions, biogeochemistry, and/or genomics. Availability: The position start date is flexible and is a temporary, 12 month, full-time position. Initial appointment is for one year and may be renewable dependent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes medical benefits. For more information about the position contact Maren Friesen at m.friesen@wsu.edu . Screening of application materials will begin June 1 and continue until the position is filled; please apply by June 15 for priority consideration. Apply online: https://wsujobs.com/postings/51841 I am social distancing to the greatest extent possible. By all acting together we can flatten the epidemic curve of COVID-19 and reduce the impacts on our communities. I'm using Inbox When Ready to protect my focus. Maren Friesen ********************Conferences******************** ConGen 2020 Online: Population Genomics, Conservation Genetics & Data Analysis Workshop Theme: New this year is slightly more focus on genome sequencing, assembly, and re-sequencing of whole genomes to prepare participants and instructors for the future which will involve far more whole-genome data production and analyses. Instructors: Craig Primmer, Maren Wellenreuther, Eric Anderson, Chris Funk, Brian Hand, Paul Hohenlohe, Marty Kardos, Brenna Forester, Joanna Kelley, Gordon Luikart, Mike Miller, Rena Schweizer, Amanda Stahlke, Robin Waples, and more TBA. When: September 7-18, 2020 Where: Online due to Covid-19 For details on ConGen-2020: see http://www.umt.edu/ces/conferences/congen/ Course Objective: The goal of ConGen is to provide training in conceptual and practical aspects of data analysis to understand the evolutionary and ecological genomics of natural and managed populations. Emphasis will be on next-generation sequence (NGS) data analysis (RADs, DNA capture, and whole-genome sequence analyses, and gene expression) and interpretation of output from recent novel statistical approaches and software programs. The course promotes interactions among early-career researchers (students/participants) and leaders in population genomics to help develop the "next generation" of conservation and evolutionary geneticists. We will identify and discuss developments needed to improve data analysis approaches. This course will cover analysis methods including the coalescent, Bayesian, and likelihood-based approaches. Special lecture sessions and hands-on exercises will be conducted on population structure, detecting selection, and genetic monitoring (of Ne, FST, etc.), landscape genomics, inbreeding detection (RoH), GWAS to identify adaptive loci, genomic vulnerability assessment and more. It will also include lectures and hands-on activities on gene expression mechanisms underlying rapid adaptation to environmental change. Who should apply: Advanced Undergrads, M.S. & Ph.D. students, post-docs, faculty, agency researchers, and population biologists that have taken at least one university-level course in population genetics and a course in population ecology. Priority will be given to persons with their own NGS data to analyze and/or experience analyzing NGS data. Registration & Cost: The cost to participate in ConGen 2020 is $790 US if you pay before July 1st or $850 US if you pay after July 1st. This includes lectures (live and recorded) by 12 expert instructors, question & answer sessions (live and recorded), question and answer sessions, copies of all lecture PowerPoint slides, hands-on exercise work sheets with dummy datasets, along with ConGen-2020 Swag (T-shirt, mug). Course materials will remain available for many months after the end of the course to all students in a box repository including all recorded lectures. Scholarships are available based on availability and financial need. Participants will also receive advice installing programs through multiple online help session and also through tutorials and email. Students with PC can receive help installing a Linux virtual machine on their PC in the weeks BEFORE the course. Linux line commands will be used for several analyses during the course. A brief tutorial on Linux will be given the first day for those interested in learning Linux line commands important for population genomics data analysis. The course will be Online this year using Zoom along with a static forum/blog for writing questions to and getting answers from instructors (during and after each lecture). Participants outside North American time zones (e.g., Europe, Australasia) can watch recorded lectures (if they cannot participate live) after lectures are given and still participate in Q & A sessions and blogs within a few days after each lecture. Because all lectures and hands-on sessions are recorded (in Zoom), participants can watch (or re-watch) them the next day and still ask questions and get instructor feedback (via the blog or live). This course is sponsored by the American Genetic Association, the Journal of Heredity, NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration), NSF (the Dimensions in Biodiversity program), along with PacBio, DoveTail Genomics, support from publications such as eDNA, Evolutionary Applications, Conservation Genetics and more TBA. It includes 12 expert instructors and hands-on data analysis using your data (with instructors) and dummy data sets provided by instructors. It has led to publications describing main topics and outcomes of the course in past years, with the goal of facilitating data analysis for population geneticists worldwide. Leif Howard "Howard, Leif"