[Taxacom] Two MSc/PhD positions available in Plant Genomics & Biodiversity

[Joeri Strijk]

Two MSc/PhD positions available in
Plant Genomics & Biodiversity at the Plant Ecophysiology & Evolution
Group, Guangxi University, Nanning, China


The Plant Ecophysiology and
Evolution Group at Guangxi University (Nanning, China) is seeking two highly
motivated and productive International MSc or PhD students to engage in
3/4-year projects in Plant Genomics, Molecular Systematics, Biogeography and
Plant Taxonomy. Multiple topics are available and can be further determined
upon application, including one or a combination of the following themes:


(1) Plant Genomics - Understanding
the geographic distribution and evolution of genetic diversity between species
and within populations; understanding the role of isolation in the
establishment of genetic divergence and speciation.


(2) Plant Biogeography &
Evolution - Temporal and spatial reconstruction of patterns of plant
diversification in Asia and the Indian Ocean
region in selected families and genera. Of particular interest to us are the
roles of morphological/molecular change in adaptation and plant speciation on
oceanic islands, where environments undergo substantial change over the course
of an island's lifespan.


(3) Plant Taxonomy - There are
several exciting opportunities for students to take part in the revision and
reconstruction of a new regional Flora. Projects will involve training in
taxonomy, nomenclature and fieldwork, but also include training in molecular
systematics, phylogenetics and the most recent developments in the field.


Students will enroll in the
International Graduate Program at the College of Forestry
for 3-4-year projects, with complete waivers for tuition- and housing-fees.
Housing will be provided in the International Student dormitories of the campus
in Nanning. The
first year consists of orientation and study of the Chinese language through
courses. The following years will be filled with fieldwork, professional
courses and the research project. 



Applications are now invited for an
intended starting date of projects in September 2016. The application deadline
is March 31, 2016. Fellowships come with an ample monthly allowance for the
full duration of the project. Applicants with a proven track record of
successful publication in peer-reviewed journals will have an advantage in
applying. 



Opportunities for the development of
individual research projects as well as collaborative work, exist within our
lab and with external groups. Candidates will be integrated in a growing and
multidisciplinary team of Chinese and foreign researchers, providing a creative
and stimulating research environment, and will work as part of a team studying genomics,
evolution and taxonomy of selected taxa in Asia and the Indian
 Ocean region. Prior knowledge of Chinese is not mandatory as
courses form an integral part of the curriculum, and the working language in
our research groups is English. Projects will be supervised by Associate Prof. Joeri S.
Strijk (jsstrijk at gxu.edu.cn).


Our research team is part of the College of Forestry, under the State Key Laboratory
of Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, which houses
a wide range of laboratories and research groups. We are located in the heart of the large Nanning
city campus, with easy access to on-campus housing and day-to-day facilities
for life on campus. Guangxi University (>25,000 students) in subtropical Nanning is part of the National 211 University Scheme of
China (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_211)
and aims to become a major research hub in Southern China.
The city forms the natural gateway to South-East Asia, with Vietnam a mere 300kms away and direct
international connecting flights available to most major cities in Asia from
the new Nanning International Airport.


Please visit our website for more
information on our group, it's members and their research:


 http://www.plant-ecophysiology-evolution.com/


To apply for a position, please
email a statement of research interests and goals, a curriculum vitae, and the
email addresses of three references directly to: 

Associate Prof. Joeri S.
Strijk (jsstrijk at gxu.edu.cn).


Review of applications will begin
immediately. 

 

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