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The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in Berlin is
Germany’s premier wildlife research institute, one of eight research
institutes in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V., a member of the
Leibniz Association and jointly funded by the German federal and state
governments. The IZW focuses on the life histories and mechanisms of
evolutionary adaptations of mammals, their limits and their conservation
in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments. The institute
operates within the fields of wildlife health and diseases, reproductive
biology and medicine, and evolutionary ecology and genetics.

The Department of Wildlife Diseases offers (beginning 1st September
2014) a PhD-Position on “Measuring immunogenetic diversity during the
Pleistocene”(Reference number 20/2014)

This project will utilize novel next generation sequencing approaches
to characterize the evolution of immunogenetic loci over a ca. 50,000
year time span in species with contrasting demographic histories
(extinct woolly mammoths and muskoxen). We expect to determine the rate
of evolution, persistence and replacement of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)
and Major Histocompatibility locus (MHC) alleles for both species which
will provide a better understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of the
loci that cannot be obtained from examination of modern DNA.

Specific tasks include

- Development of hybridization capture assays coupled with next
  generation sequencing for the MHC and TLRs
- Bioinformatic and evolutionary genetic analysis of generated data
- Logistical coordination of work between Canada, Denmark and Germany

Requirements

- Diploma or Master of Science in Biology or related fields;
- Strong background in evolutionary biology and phylogenetics;
- Preference will be given to candidates with ancient DNA or forensic
  DNA experience;
- Preference will also be given to candidates with next generation
  sequencing experience;
- A background in statistics and bioinformatics would be advantageous;
- Organizational skills and ability to work in a team;
- Part of the project will take place in Canada. Thus, proficiency in
  English (speaking and writing) is required

The position is initially limited to two years, beginning September
1, 2014, with the possibility for extension to a maximum of three
years. Salary takes place according to TVöD (65%). The IZW is determined
to increase the proportion of women in successful scientific careers
and particularly encourages female scientists to apply.

For further information please contact Prof. Alex Greenwood (e-mail
greenwood@izw-berlin.de). Applicants should submit a letter explaining
their interests in and particular skills for this position, a CV, copies
of relevant degrees and contact details of two people who can provide
a reference, as one single PDF-file before July 11th , 2014.

Applications should be sent to: 

Leibniz-Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung im Forschungsverbund
Berlin e.V., Personalabteilung, Frau Stephanie Vollberg,
(personal@izw-berlin.de), Postfach 70 04 30, 10324 Berlin,
www.izw-berlin.de

Best wishes
Stephanie

Stephanie Vollberg
Personal IZW
Tel. 030- 5168 107
Fax. 030-5126 104
vollberg@izw-berlin.de

"Vollberg, Stephanie"