A fully-funded 3-year postdoctoral research position is available in the Institut für Pflanzenwissenschaften at the Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Austria.
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on an interdisciplinary project funded by FWF. This project takes a comprehensive approach that combines phylogenetics and population genetics tools to study evolutionary processes in a lichen species complex (Pyrenodesmia). Previous work has uncovered high levels of diversity in Pyrenodesmia in the European Mediterranean region, whose heterogeneous landscape of complex geological and climatic history represents a globally significant hot spot of biodiversity. Yet, little is known about the influence of local ecological heterogeneity and environmental changes on the diversity of fungi, including lichens. In this project we will explore which processes have driven the extensive diversification of lichens, as a model for extremotolerant eukaryotic microorganisms.
Applicants should have a PhD in biology or closely related field and a strong interest in biology and evolution. Applicants shall have basic knowledge in lichen and fungal systematics. Experience in molecular techniques and phylogenetics and/or population genetics is required. Culturing skills are advantageous, but not essential. The post-doctoral researcher will be responsible for this study on a day-to-day basis and will participate in most aspects of the project (i.e., taxon sampling, data recording, photobiont culturing, molecular work, data analyses, paper writing).
This is a FWF funded project and it is part of an international collaboration including associated groups at the Institut für Pflanzenwissenschaften at the Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Austria and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, UK. The candidate will join the research group of Martin Grube and Helmut Mayrhofer in Graz with periodic visits to Ester Gaya at RBG, Kew.
To ask questions or apply please e-mail to: e.gaya@kew.org or martin.grube@uni-graz.at or helmut.mayrhofer@uni-graz.at.
Materials must be received by 1st of December 2013, but late applications will be considered until the position is filled.
This post is available from 1st February 2014, for a period of 36 months, full-time.
*Applications should include:*1) letter of interest / background (2 pages max); 2) complete CV; 3) the names and e-mail addresses of three referees.
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