A PhD position is available in the lab of Adam Eyre-Walker at the University of Sussex to work on bacterial population genetics.

A PhD position is available in the lab of Adam Eyre-Walker at the
University of Sussex to work on bacterial population genetics.

The vast majority of organisms on this earth are prokaryotes and they
are responsible for many of the biggest problems facing mankind, from
diseases such as tuberculosis and typhoid, to hospital infections,
such as those caused by methicilin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). However, despite their prevalence and importance we still have a
poor understanding of bacterial population genetics. We know the genome
of many bacteria is highly labile so that any two strains of a bacterial
"species" share only some genes; this has led to the concept of a core
genome and an accessory genome. However, the evolutionary forces that
act upon both genomes have not been extensively investigated. The aim
of this project is to rectify this and to look at several aspects of
bacterial population genetics in over 100 bacterial species for which
multiple strains have been completely sequenced. The project will involve
the bioinformatic analysis of publicly available data. Students with a str
 ong background in evolutionary biology, genetics and/or bioinformatics
 are particularly encouraged to apply.

The position is available to UK and EU residents only. It is fully funded
for 3.5 years; funding includes fees and a stipend equivalent to the
standard UK research council rate (currently �13,863 per annum). The
position involves 50 hours of teaching a year.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Adam Eyre-Walker -
a.c.eyre-walker@sussex.ac.uk. Further details about the group can be found
at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/eyre-walkerlab/index. Applications
must be made through the University of Sussex's clunky graduate school
application system http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/. Apply
for September 2015 entry. Mention the name of supervisor in "suggested
supervisor" section. In funding mention sponsored or seeking funding. In
Award details mention School of Life Sciences funded studentship. Include
brief statement of interest (upto 2 pages), CV, two academic references,
UG/PG transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL results if residing in EU. Only full time
students will be accepted. Deadline for applications is 30/11/14

A.C.Eyre-Walker@sussex.ac.uk