Genomics of ancient hybridization
We are looking for a strongly motivated graduate student interested in pursuing
a PhD degree in Evolutionary Genomics in collaboration between CIBIO-InBIO,
University of Porto (https://cibio.up.pt/) and ISEM,
University of Montpellier (http://www.isem.univ-montp2.fr/en/).
The selected candidate will be invited to
apply to a 4-year PhD Fellowship of Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
(FCT, Portugal), in the call expected for the first trimester of 2022 (see
information about the previous call at https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/concursos/individuais2021.phtml.en).
Monthly salary is compatible with living costs in Portugal ("BD” in https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/docs/Tabela_Valores_SMM_LOE_2021.pdf),
and the fellowship covers social security and tuition fees. If the fellowship
is granted, the PhD project is expected to start in October 2022.
Application deadline: 21 January 2022
Project Description
It is now well documented that related species often exchange genetic material
in the wild. Interspecific genetic introgression is thus a potentially
important player in biodiversity evolution, yet poorly quantified and
characterised. Modern genomics offers unprecedented opportunities to fill this
gap and address several questions of great importance for our understanding of
evolution: under what conditions does introgression occur, what is the role of
natural selection in promoting or impeding it, and the origin selection? The
project will focus on three species of south European hares (genus Lepus) that
were affected by introgression from an arctic/boreal species that they replaced
in this region during the current deglaciation. Analysing a collection of full
genome sequences and additional population genetics data, this project will aim
to detect and quantify all factors modulating introgression, related for
example with sex-linked transmission and behaviour, the interplay between
recombination rate variation and genetic incompatibilities, positive natural
selection, and coadaptation between genomic regions. This project will allow
the acquisition of skills in bioinformatics and sophisticated cutting-edge
population and evolutionary genomics, by handling large-scale genomic datasets.
This work is expected to have a general impact on the understanding of
speciation and evolution through genetic exchange, broadening our understanding
of biodiversity beyond species inventories.
Supervision:
- The PhD project will be supervised by José Melo-Ferreira (CIBIO-InBIO,
University of Porto - https://cibio.up.pt/;
https://sites.google.com/site/meloferreiraj;
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=YYMR-gMAAAAJ)
and Pierre Boursot (ISEM, University of Montpellier; http://www.isem.univ-montp2.fr/en/personnel/teams/sex-and-speciation/boursot-pierre.index/;
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=fslosr0AAAAJ)
and developed in both labs. It will integrate the long-term collaboration
between the institutions (see http://www.lia-bioevol.org/).
- If the Fellowship is granted, the Student will register in the BIODIV –
Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution – PhD program at the University of Porto,
Portugal. A cotutelle between the Universities of Porto and Montpellier is
envisioned.
- The successful candidate will integrate the EVOCHANGE – Genomics of
Evolutionary Change – research group at CIBIO-InBIO (https://cibio.up.pt/research-groups-1/details/evochange).
Required Qualifications:
- A Master (MSc) degree in Biology, Evolution, Genetics, Bioinformatics or
related fields is required. If any of the stated degrees was obtained abroad,
the formal recognition of the degree in Portugal and the conversion of the
obtained grades to the Portuguese scale are required at the time of the
application to FCT (more information at https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition).
- Candidates should be highly motivated and demonstrate strong interest in
Evolutionary Biology.
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience in analyses of
high-throughput sequencing data, and knowledge of programming languages, such
as Unix, Python/Perl and/or R, and with a track record demonstrating these
skills.
- Good writing and communication skills in English, excellent teamwork skills,
and ability to work independently.
- Availability for mobility between CIBIO-InBIO (Vairão, Portugal) and ISEM
(Montpellier, France). Specific funds are available to sustain such mobility.
- The successful applicant must be resident in Portugal at the start of the
PhD.
How to Apply:
- Application deadline: 21 January 2022 or until the position is filled,
whichever comes first;
- Inquiries and Applications should be directed to José Melo-Ferreira (jmeloferreira@cibio.up.pt;
meloferreiraj@gmail.com)
indicating the research subject "Genomics of ancient hybridization”.
- Applications should be written in English and must include the following
information:
1) a motivation letter describing the candidate’s profile, research interests
and suitability for the role;
2) a Curriculum Vitae, summarizing the academic path, research experience,
publications and other qualifications deemed relevant;
3) copy of the BSc and MSc certificates, and course grades;
4) names and contact information of two referees.
4 a 30 de outubro 2021
Encontra-se aberto um concurso internacional para a atribuição de três (3) bolsas de doutoramento no âmbito do programa doutoral Biodiversidade, Genética e Evolução (BIODIV) para o Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais – cE3c. s bolsas serão financiadas pela Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT).
Mais
informação sobre o concurso e procedimentos para candidatura no edital
disponível AQUI.
4 to 30 October 2021
We announce the opening of an international call for the attribution of three (3) PhD scholarships in the Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution (BIODIV) doctoral program for the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change – cE3c. The scholarships will be funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
More information about this call and
procedures for application on the public notice available HERE.
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10 a 23 de abril 2021
[Please note that the English translations of the "Notice of the Call - PhD Studentships – CIBIO-InBIO 2020” do not override the original Portuguese version (Aviso de Abertura do Concurso para Atribuição de Bolsa de Investigação para Doutoramento - CIBIO-InBIO)]
The information on this page does not replace or override any requirements set forth in the Regulation and in the Notice of Call (in Portuguese).