[Taxacom] PhD student position: phylogenetic studies on Lepidoptera

[Kadri Poldmaa]

PhD position: phylogenetic studies on Lepidoptera in an ecological context



We are looking for a PhD student to perform part of a larger, lab wide
project entitled: “Comparative studies on insects: a focus on body size"
financed by Estonian Research Council (2020-2024) and carried out at
Estonia’s leading research centre: the University of Tartu (
https://www.ut.ee/en). The lab wide project focuses on reconstructing moth
phylogenies based on DNA sequences and performing various analyses of trait
evolution on the basis of these novel phylogenies.

The PhD thesis work advertised here will concentrate on several sub-tasks,
such as acquisition of nucleotide data from a number of moth species either
by anchored hybrid enrichment technology and/or more traditional Sanger
sequencing; constructing phylogenies using both maximum likelihood and
Bayesian phylogenetic inference. In addition, depending on the interests of
the student, there will be possibilities to take part in more
ecology-oriented subprojects, primarily those on phylogenetic comparative
analyses of life history traits.

The work will be supervised by Dr. Erki Õunap and Prof. Toomas Tammaru (
http://www.ut.ee/~tammarut). The group has a solid background in
evolutionary ecology of insects, phylogenetic analyses and taxonomy of
Lepidoptera, as well as collaboration ties with various universities across
Europe. PhD studies in Estonia last for 4 years and publishing research
papers is a requirement; PhD students receive competitive scholarships
allowing them to work on their thesis full time (alongside taking some
relevant classes). A successful candidate will have an excellent academic
record, experience with phylogenetic analyses and interest in evolutionary
biology.

Some experience and/or genuine interest in the taxonomy/evolution/ecology
of insects is an advantage. The candidate should have their master’s degree
by August 01, 2021; the enrolment as a PhD student will be from September
01, 2021. If you are considering applying, please e-mail Toomas Tammaru (
toomas.tammaru at ut.ee) before the end of March 31 (any time zone). Open to
applicants from all nations.

Please distribute to potential candidates!