PhD position in "Whole-genome sequencing and genotyping of non-model Eukaryotes for evolutionary biology"
- Project description
New generation sequencing technologies offer exciting new prospects for studying evolution, but also create great challenges related to the large amount of sequence data to be analysed in a single project. We seek a PhD candidate that will work on developing software pipelines for whole genome sequencing and analyse genomic variation for non model organisms, for several evolutionary biology projects. The projects involved concern (1) investigating adaptation of an herbivorous insect to its host plant at the genomic level, (2) inferring demographic history of various plant species from genomic variation, and (3) identification of candidate sex pheromones from transcriptome sequencing.
- Student skills
The ideal candidate has a Masters Degree with a strong background in bioinformatics, with good programming and statistical skills, and a good understanding of the processes that govern biological evolution. Because the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to several projects, his ability to communicate and collaborate with others is essential. In general, the (IB)2 is a highly collaborative environment, and good interpersonal skills and an open attitude are expected. The candidate should also be fluent in English, the main language of the institute. Note that some language requirements (related to knowledge of english or dutch) have to be fulfilled for enrolment at the VUB (http://www.vub.ac.be/english/infofor/prospectivestudents/languagetest.html).
- Promotor information
The student will work at the Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels (IB)2 (http://ibsquare.be), located on the campus of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), and will enrol at both ULB, with promotor Patrick Mardulyn (http://ebe.ulb.ac.be/) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), with promotor Tom Lenaerts (http://www.ulb.ac.be/di/map/tlenaert). Other co-promotors will supervise specific aspects of the research: Olivier Hardy (ULB, http://ebe.ulb.ac.be/), Ludwig Triest (VUB, http://www.vub.ac.be/APNA/staff/Triest/), Guillaume Smits (ULB, http://ibsquare.be), and Franky Bossuyt (VUB, http://www.amphibia.be).
- Important note
We can only guarantee one year of funding; prospects exist for full 4 years funding, but this will depend on the success of project grant applications and/or on personal grant applications by the candidate. Full support will be provided by the promotors to succeed with personal grant applications.
- Interested?
Please send a CV, letter of motivation, and contact information of two references to Patrick Mardulyn (pmarduly@ulb.ac.be). Further enquiries about the position can be directed to the same address. The candidate is expected to start 1st October 2014 and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Patrick Mardulyn
Evolutionary Biology and ecology, CP 160/12
Free University of Brussels (ULB)
av. FD Roosevelt 50
1050 Brussels
Belgium
Phone: (32)(2)6502649
Fax: (32)(2)6502445
e-mail: pmarduly@ulb.ac.be
homepage: homepages.ulb.ac.be/~pmarduly/
lab website: http://ebe.ulb.ac.be/ebe/ebe-Welcome.html
