Job:Postdoc: Evolutionary Genomics Of Sexual Recombination (Hull, Uk)

Question

[Dave Lunt]

A 3-year PDRA position is now available in my lab at the University of Hull as part of a large, NERC-funded, multi-centre project entitled 'The Evolutionary Genomics of Sexual Recombination'. Using modern evolutionary comparative genomics approaches we aim to study the rate and pattern of genome sequence change with and without the action of meiosis, and across different levels of inbreeding. The project will be carried out in a phylogenetic design, on a newly generated nematode multi-genome data set, leading to advances in understanding the role of reproductive mode in shaping the structure and diversity of genomes.

The position would suit a biologist with good bioinformatics skills, capable of detailed analysis of approx 20 genomes using modern molecular evolutionary approaches. Applicants with a strong background in evolutionary biology and population genetics using bioinformatic approaches are particularly encouraged to apply, but the position could equally suit a bioinformatician with a desire to utilize those skills in understanding the fundamental forces shaping the genome.

This project is a collaboration between Dr Dave Lunt at the University of Hull and Prof Mark Blaxter at the University of Edinburgh. The goals of the project are to generate complete, annotated genome sequences for a set of Meloidogyne nematode species (at least 16 genomes), carefully chosen to represent independent evolutionary contrasts in reproductive mode, and then to use these whole genome data to characterise the effect of organismal breeding system on abundance, diversity and distribution of transposable elements between amphimicts, automicts, and apomicts. We will also test for adaptive evolution of genes and gene families using statistical models of gene family evolution, and test sequence based signatures of adaptive evolution, relating these to loci involved in reproduction and plant-parasite interactions.

The PDRA will be based in the bioinformatics lab of the Evolutionary Biology Group at Hull University. The group is a large and interactive community of evolutionary biologists, with excellent facilities, and provides a great environment for investigating questions in genomics and breeding system.

We anticipate the successful candidate will work proactively and flexibly across the research groups to gain most from this enormous data set, address fundamental biological questions, and produce some very substantial publications.

You must have, or shortly obtain, a PhD in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, population genetics or other directly relevant subject. An excellent understanding of the genetic consequences of sexual reproduction and the bioinformatic skills suitable to analyse large datasets would be advantageous.

Informal enquiries to Dr Dave Lunt: [e-mail]

Vacancy Reference: FS0217

Closing Date: 12 August 2012

Salary range: £25,251 - £30,122 pa

Further Information: http://davelunt.net/research/openings/

http://davelunt.net/research/openings/pdra-evolutionary-comparative-genomics/

Official info and online application: http://bit.ly/PYo0QJ

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Dr Dave Lunt
Evolutionary Biology Group
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Hull
HU6 7RX
UK
[phone]
[e-mail]
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http://davelunt.net