[Taxacom] PhD position - plant molecular systematics, Sweden

[Bernard Pfeil]

PhD Student Position – Plant Molecular Systematics

University of Gothenburg, Sweden


Short Description:
The systematics and biodiversity research group is seeking to fill a
doctoral student position within the subject area of plant molecular
systematics. The research group is undertaking a project, funded in
part by a grant from the Swedish Research Council, that seeks to
develop new methods of analysis based upon the multispecies coalescent
to distinguish between incongruence among gene trees caused by lineage
sorting, hybridization or paralogy. This new approach requires novel
data that will be drawn from the Mediterranean legume genus Medicago,
making use of the nearly complete genome sequence available in M.
truncatula. We also are seeking to optimize high throughput sequencing
techniques to improve the efficiency for the kind of sampling used in
systematic projects (i.e., many individuals for 5 – 20 unlinked
genes). The successful applicant would be involved in some or all of
these areas depending upon their inclination and skills.

Tasks
The major task for the successful applicant will be to conduct their
PhD research under the supervision and direction of Dr Bernard Pfeil.
Secondary tasks will be to improve the applicant’s bench and
analytical skills and theoretical breadth during their education.
Specific tasks associated with the research project include: DNA
extraction, PCR, molecular cloning, Southern probing, probe design,
preparation of material for 454 sequencing, restriction enzyme
digestion, PCR primer design, sequence contig assembly, phylogenetic
analysis, assessment of incongruence, effective population size
estimation, molecular dating, coalescent simulation.

Qualifications
The applicant must have:
--A Master’s degree or a Fil. Mag. in Biology or similar (such as a
four year undergraduate degree with a research thesis). This degree
should emphasize biology, botany, and especially molecular
systematics.
--Good communication skills (written and verbal) in English, including
the potential to teach in English.
--Documented ability to perform basic research projects under supervision.
--Good knowledge of molecular systematic theory, concepts, challenges
and new developments.
--Routine molecular systematics laboratory skills (e.g., PCR, DNA
extraction, gel electrophoresis).

A complete description of the position and further information about
**how to apply** may be obtained by emailing Dr Bernard Pfeil (email:
bernard.pfeilATdpes.gu.se  with “PhD position” placed in the subject
line.

 The PhD position will begin during mid 2010, or by negotiation.


Bernard Pfeil

Associate Senior Lecturer
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
University of Gothenburg, Sweden

website in English:
http://www.dpes.gu.se/english/Personnel/scientists_teachers/Bernard_Pfeil/