Graduate position for a PhD in the evolutionary biology

Graduate position for a PhD in the evolutionary biology of gene networks.

1.Job/ project description:

The main objectives of the PhD project is to:

a) Develop mathematical models of the relationship between genetic and
   phenotypic variation (or genotype-phenotype map)

b) Understand how this relationship and the patterns of phenotypic
   variation possible by genetic variation in gene networks affect
   evolution.

c) Develop models about the evolution of gene networks and embryonic
   development in general.

A core concept of current evolutionary biology is the genotype-phenotype
(GP) map, which connects genetic variation to phenotypic variation
and to potential for evolutionary change. The aim of the project is
to develop or investigate models of the GP map that can be related to
specific biological study systems or specific evolutionary questions
investigated by the group. There is considerable flexibility as to the
exact topics, and the interests of the candidate will be important in
defining the study objects.

These models can be abstract or linked to specific biological systems. The
biotechnology institute includes a range of experimental biologitst
working on several systems. The supervisor of the theoretical aspects will
be Dr. Salazar-Ciudad but the PhD would include close collaboration with
Jukka Jernvall group and would include collaboration with developmental
biologists, bioinformaticians, paleontologists and other evolutionary and
systems biologists. The work may also include, optionally, collaboration,
and spending some time, in Barcelona.

The modeling can focus on gene network regulation, cell-cell
communication, cell mechanical interactions and developmental mechanisms
in general and, optionally, artifical in silico evolution.

2. Requirements:

The applicant must be a biologists, preferably with a strong background
in either evolutionary biology, developmental biology or theoretical
biology. Some knowledge of ecology, zoology, cell and molecular biology
are also desirable.

Bioinformaticians, systems biologists or computer biologists that do
not have a degree in biology (e.g. Computer scientists, physicists or
engineers) would not be considered (not replied).

Programming skills or a willingness to acquire them is required.

The most important requirement is a strong interest and motivation
on science, gene networks and evolution. A capacity for creative and
critical thinking is also desirable.

Prior experience in evolutionary or developmental biology is an advantage,
and the candidate may be required to do some programming (although how
much may depend on the exact project).

3. Description of the position:

The fellowship will be for a period of up to 4 years (100% research work:
no teaching involved).

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the
successful completion of a PhD degree.

Salary according to Finnish PhD student salaries.

4. The application must include:

-Application letter including a statement of interests
-CV (summarizing degrees obtained, subjects included in degree and
grades, average grade)

-Application should be send to Isaac Salazar-Ciudad by email:

isaac.salazar@helsinki.fi

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their
University's grading system. Please remember that all documents should
be in English.

5. Examples of recent publications by Isaac Salazar-Ciudad group.

-Salazar-Ciudad I1, Marín-Riera M. Adaptive dynamics under  
development-based genotype-phenotype maps.
Nature. 2013 May 16;497(7449):361-4.

-Salazar-Ciudad I, Jernvall J. A computational model of teeth and the  
developmental origins of morphological variation. Nature. 2010 Mar  
25;464(7288):583-6.

6. Interested candidates should check our group webpage:

http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/salazar/index.html

The deadline is 15 of August (although candidates may be selected before).

Isaac Salazar-Ciudad: isaac.salazar@helsinki.fi

isalazar@mappi.helsinki.fi