Doctoral Research Fellowship in Evolutionary Genomics/Behavioural Ecology

Doctoral Research Fellowship in Evolutionary Genomics/Behavioural Ecology

A 4-year PhD position is available at the Natural History Museum (NHM),
University of Oslo (UiO). The PhD project is part of a larger research
program on  $B!H (BSperm-pathogen interactions and the evolution of ejaculate
antimicrobial defences in passerine birds $B!I (B.

Animals are constantly exposed to pathogens, and the ability of
individuals to combat microbial attack is an important component
of fitness. Sperm cells are not immune to microbial exposure, and
bacteria can cause reductions in sperm quality and compromise male
fertility. Moreover, ejaculate-borne pathogens can be transferred during
mating (i.e. STDs), with negative consequences for female fertility. Thus,
ejaculate-borne bacteria are predicted to generate intense selection
for the evolution of antibacterial substances in seminal fluid. This
project integrates organismal and molecular approaches to develop
an understanding of the role of bacteria in the evolution of avian
seminal fluid and factors that minimise bacterial-induced sperm defects
and limit the transmission of STDs. The successful candidate will be
allowed to focus on either the evolutionary genomics or the behavioural
ecology aspects of the larger study (or some combination of these two)
as best fits her/his skills and research interests. She/he will also be
encouraged to develop additional, complementary avenues of research.

Interested candidates should have a good degree in a relevant subject,
such as background in evolutionary biology or behavioural ecology. In
addition, an interest in evolutionary genomics and previous fieldwork and
bird handling experience would be advantageous. The position is affiliated
with the Sex and Evolution Research Group (SERG) at the Natural History
Museum (NHM) and the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis
(CEES), and may also include a period of time based in the laboratory
of Dr Steve Dorus (Syracuse University, USA). The research team will
also include scientists from the USA and Germany. The working language
will be English. Fieldwork may be conducted at a variety of locations,
including Norway and Italy.

Informal enquiries can be made to Melissah Rowe:

melissah.rowe@nhm.uio.no

For more information and how to apply:
http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1198865/71922?iso=gb

Melissah Rowe
Research Fellow
Natural History Museum
University of Oslo
Norway

melissah.rowe@nhm.uio.no

melissah rowe