The Chair of Ecology and Environment Protection (http://www.keib.umk.pl/?lang=en) is recruiting PhD student interested in studying evolution of morphological traits in plants at various time scales. The goal of this project is to contribute towards an understanding of how genetic architecture (the structure of genotype to phenotype mapping) affects the evolution of quantitative traits. According to quantitative genetics theory, the evolution of phenotypic traits depends on the strength of selection and the amount of genetic variation. However, part of this variation maybe constrained by correlations with other traits that are under conflicting selective regimes. In consequence, the ability to respond to selection (evolvability) may be limited, even if a trait has high heritability. However, the extent to which genetic architecture limits phenotypic evolution remains an open question. Likewise, it is unknown whether it affects evolution at the short time scale and is easily overcome by selection, or if the genetic architecture is an important long-term determinant of the direction of evolution. In this project we aim to answer these questions using two plant species from the family Apiaceae, Daucus carota and Ferula communis, as a model system.

This project will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Thomas Hansen (University of Oslo) and dr Krzysztof Bartoszek (Uppsala University).

Major tasks:

• phylogenetic analysis of various taxa from the family Apiaceae based on RADseq data
• establish a database of phenotypic traits (seedlings, fruits, inflorescences and flowers), life history strategies and geographic distributions for species from the family Apiaceae
• estimate the rate of morphological trait evolution using phylogenetic comparative methods
• help in developing the R package mvSLOUCH dedicated to analysis of multivariate Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models on phylogeny

The ideal candidate will have a background in molecular biology/population genetics/phylogenetics, as well as experience working with Linux and modern programming languages such as R. Previous experience in generating and analysis of next-generation sequencing data will be considered positively. A condition of the application is a Master degree (or equivalent) in biology or similar subjects.

The stipend for both positions is 3 000 PLN net monthly (app. 700 EURO) for three years. The living cost in Torun is low. For example, a room in a student house (inc. Wi-Fi, kitchen, heating, hot water) is app. 100-150 EURO monthly, loaf of bread 0.5 EURO, beer 0.5-0.7 EURO, beer in pub 1-2 EURO, dinner in restaurant 5-8 EURO.

Nicolaus Copernicus University is located close to the medieval center of Torun (http://www.visittorun.pl/) which is listed among UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. Torun is a dynamic academic city and provides many opportunities for intellectual and cultural stimulation. The Vistula river runs through town and is ideal for the naturalists as many natural protected areas are located in its valley.

If you are interested, please send a CV, a short statement of your research interests (max. one page) and the contact details of at least one academic referee to Marcin Piwczynski
(piwczyn@umk.pl). Feel free to contact him by email for further information. Review of applicants will start in the first week of August 2017. The positions will stay open until filled.

Marcin Piwczynski
Chair of Ecology and Biogeography,
Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University
Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun
POLAND

A two-year postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Botany, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm. The position is placed within professor Mats Wedin’s research group and is a part of the project “Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae in Sweden” funded by the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative. The research group has several additional projects funded by the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative and the Swedish Research Council, focussing on taxonomic and phylogenetic biodiversity questions in lichens and associated organisms.

Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae in Sweden

Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae together form a strongly supported clade within the major group of Ascomycota that form lichen symbioses with cyanobacteria (Peltigerales). Until very recently, the generic classification of the Collemataceae s. str. was based solely on one character, presence (Leptogium) or absence (Collema) of a cellular cortex. Collema and Leptogium were recently confirmed as highly non-monophyletic, and a new classification was suggested accepting ten mostly well supported groups as genera. There are a couple of generic delimitation problem remaining, but most of the problems in Sweden are species delimitation issues. The sister-group of Collemataceae is Placynthiaceae, a group of comparatively small saxicolous lichens, which is a poorly understood and understudied group. Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae include numerous species delimitation problems. The current species taxonomies in the Nordic countries are based on morphological investigations from the pre-molecular era. The present project aims at resolving species delimitations and remaining generic delimitation questions in these groups, in Sweden and neighbouring areas.

Qualifications 

Candidates have a recent PhD in systematics/evolutionary biology or similar, with experience in lichenology and/or mycology. A demonstrated publication record and excellent English communication and writing skills are expected. Good knowledge in molecular lab work, phylogenetics and light microscopy are required, as is experience with independent field work. Knowledge with the groups under study is a strong advantage, as is experience in phylogenetic and coalescent-based species-delimitation studies. A valid driving licence is also an advantage. The successful candidate will mainly pursue own research, but is expected to participate also in other collaborations and undertake some administration (lab management duties) subject to discussion.

The preferred starting date is April 1st 2017, but can be discussed. The appointment is for two years.

For more information please contact professor Mats Wedin (mats.wedin@nrm.se). Union representative is Johannes Lundberg, SACO-S. Both can be reached at telephone number + 46 8 519 540 00.

Mark your application, including a cover letter outlining relevant background, experience and motivation, your CV including a list of publications, contact information for two references, and copies of educational certificates, with dnr 2.3.1-777-2016, and send it as a single pdf document to rekrytering@nrm.se (copy to mats.wedin@nrm.se) or to the Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden, no later than January 28^th, 2017.

A PhD position is available in plant systematics, focussing on the evolution of grasses (Poaceae) in the context of cold tolerance evolution, distribution patterns and biogeographical history. Closing date 21 Nov 2016.