[Taxacom] PhD Position Botany Vienna

[Josef Greimler]

PhD Student Position – Plant Molecular Evolution
University of Vienna, Faculty Center Biodiversity,
Systematic and Evolutionary Botany

The systematics and evolution research group offers a three years doctoral
student position in the frame of a research project on "Reticulate evolution
and other sources of polymorphism in the genus Gentianella section
Gentianella" to reveal reticulate evolution, cryptic speciation, ancient
polymorphism and lineage sorting. The project is funded by the Austrian
Science Fund (FWF).
A large sample and data from cpDNA markers, AFLP and morphological data will
be used to study relationships within the section. Other markers will be
investigated. Spatial patterns of genetic admixture along range boundaries
of taxa will be used to infer hybrid zones and introgression and the nature
of the uncertainty zones in the western Alps, where G. germanica and G.
rhaetica probably co-occur in secondary contact. Cryptic differention was
found between these two taxa that are morphologically highly similar
although genetically strongly differentiated. Concerning eastern and
south-eastern Europe the key question is whether conserved ancient
polymorphism in a highly variable taxon that shows morphological affinities
to its descendents or varying introgression from adjacent taxa is the
prevailing pattern.

Tasks
The successful applicant would be involved in field material and data
sampling, molecular lab work and analysis as well as morphological data
analysis. Specific tasks associated with the research project include: DNA
extraction, PCR, AFLP, preparation of material for sequencing, phylogenetic
& biogeographic analysis, molecular dating.

Qualifications
The applicant must have:
(1) A Master’s degree or aequivalent in Biology. This degree should
emphasize especially molecular
systematics and botany.
(2) Good communication skills (written and verbal) in English, including the
potential to teach in English.
(3) Documented ability to perform basic research projects under supervision.
(4) Solide knowledge of taxonomic principles, and of molecular systematic
theory, concepts, challenges and new developments
(5) Routine molecular systematics laboratory skills (e.g. DNA extraction,
gel electrophoresis, PCR, AFLP).

Further information may be obtained by email (josef.greimler at univie.ac.at)
with subject
"PhD position".
The PhD position will begin during summer or autumn 2010 (can be
negotiated).


Dr. Josef Greimler
University of Vienna, Faculty Center Biodiversity
Systematic and Evolutionary Botany
A-1030 Vienna, Rennweg 14
AUSTRIA
Tel. 0043 1 4277-54145
Fax 0043 1 4277-9541
josef.greimler at univie.ac.at