PhD position: Modeling ecology/evolution of a plant pathogen, ETH Zurich ***The project*** will explore population dynamics of Zymoseptoria tritici, an important fungal pathogen of wheat, using eco-evolutionary modeling and field/lab experimentation. Plant diseases often cause serious yield losses in agriculture. Current chemical and genetic technologies used to manage plant diseases are highly vulnerable to pathogen evolution and are not sustainable. Pathogen evolution is facilitated by the genetic uniformity underlying modern agroecosystems. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new, efficient and sustainable ways to control plant diseases. This PhD project intends to make an important contribution towards achieving this goal. The first phase aims at comprehensive characterization of both epidemic and evolutionary factors of the pathogen by combining eco-evolutionary modeling, field/lab experiments and genome sequence analyses. In the second phase the models will be used to predict the rate of pathogen adaptation to disease control and propose optimal spatio-temporal patterns for applications of fungicides and resistant host varieties that can disrupt pathogen adaptation. ***Working conditions*** Plant Pathology group at the Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich offers a creative, collaborative research environment and excellent infrastructure (www.path.ethz.ch). Salary is approximately 48000 Swiss francs per year. Zurich is a vibrant, international and green city. The PhD project is funded for three years by the Ambizione grant from the Swiss National Foundation with a possibility of extension for the fourth year. Unique training in mathematical modeling, bioinformatics and field/lab experiments increases chances to find a job in academia, industry or governmental agencies. ***Requirements*** ---Master's/diploma in a quantitative discipline (e.g. physics, mathematics or computer science), biology or agricultural/environmental sciences. ---Strong interest in mathematical/computational modeling in population biology ---Desire to link the models with real-world field experiments and spend about 40% of time doing experimental work ---Excellent communication skills in English ---Programming skills, experience in mathematical modeling or bioinformatics are important, but optional plus points ***Application*** For more details, please contact Dr. Alexey Mikaberidze by email. Please apply as early as possible, at latest February 1st, 2016. Project start: April 1st, 2016. To apply, please send Dr. Alexey Mikaberidze as a single pdf file ---a motivation letter that describes how your scientific interests and qualifications fit this project (1 page) ---a CV ---a copy of the MSc certificate ---arrange 2-3 letters of recommendation to be sent by referees directly to Dr. Alexey Mikaberidze via email Alexey Mikaberidze
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Modeling ecology/evolution of a plant pathogen
3 Ph.D. positions available
We have two major projects starting at the University of Nevada, Reno with 3 Ph.D. positions available. Please pass this announcement on to potential candidates. Thank you! PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Neotoma evolutionary genetics and ecological adaptation. A Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship is available to study ecological adaptation and hybridization between two species of woodrats (genus Neotoma) in California. The goal of the project is to identify how diet-based ecological adaptations may influence aspects of pre- and post-zygotic isolation. The student will play a large role in the design and implementation of field and laboratory-based studies that include analysis of gene expression and microbiome changes in pure and hybrid genotypic classes as they are exposed to chemically-distinct, field-based diets. The student will also participate in a high school outreach program focused on teaching genetics, ecology and evolution. Candidates should be creative and highly motivated with strong writing and communication skills. Candidates must have a B.S. (and preferably an M.S.) in biology or a closely related discipline. Candidates must have field experience (preferably with small mammals), ability to work under rigorous field conditions and lead field crews under their supervision, some genetics laboratory experience and interest in science education. Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships (2). Pygmy rabbit ecology, demography, and landscape connectivity. Two Ph.D. research assistantships are available at the University of Nevada-Reno on a project focused on building a quantitative understanding of the ecology, demography and population connectivity of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada. The pygmy rabbit is a sagebrush specialist that is broadly (but non-continuously) distributed across the Great Basin. Like other habitat specialists, the pygmy rabbit is expected to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Further, because of the predicted loss and degradation of sagebrush ecosystems over the coming decades, it is critically important to identify key areas that may serve as refugia or movement corridors for pygmy rabbit and other sagebrush obligates while large, relatively intact sagebrush tracts remain available for study. The goal of this project is to quantify population dynamics and dispersal/colonization capabilities of the pygmy rabbit in Nevada to develop a more complete view of the habitat and landscape characteristics that sustain local and regionally connected populations. Although both students will be expected to collaborate extensively, we expect that one Ph.D. student will focus primarily on landscape genetics (advised by Dr. Marjorie Matocq), while the other student will focus on demography and population modeling (advised by Dr. Kevin Shoemaker). Field research for both students will include trapping and marking pygmy rabbits and collecting tissue samples at numerous sites in Nevada. Laboratory work for the landscape genetics student will include generating genetic/genomic datasets to quantify reproductive success and relatedness within populations and genetic connectivity among populations. "Laboratory" work for the population ecology student will include estimating vital rates such as fecundity and survival from capture-mark-recapture data, using a geographic information system to identify suitable habitat patches and modeling functional connectivity, and constructing spatially explicit, individual-based population models. Applicants should be hard-working, self-motivated field biologists prepared to work under rigorous field conditions and able to lead field crews under their supervision. Both candidates should have field experience with small mammals, basic literacy in data management and statistical analysis, and strong writing and communication skills. The genetics student should have genetics laboratory experience, and the population ecology student should have proficiency in the use of geographic information systems and competence with computer programming is highly desirable. Driver=A2s licenses are necessary for both positions. Applicants must have a B.S. (and preferably an M.S.) in biology or a closely related field. To apply for one of the above positions, please submit the following as a single PDF email attachment: a letter stating your qualifications and career goals, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references (not letters). Review of applications will begin November 20, 2015 and will continue until the positions are filled. Send application to Dr. Marjorie Matocq, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada 89557 (775-784-4621; mmatocq@cabnr.unr.edu). See the following websites for further information about the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://www.unr.edu/eecb) and our lab (http://naes.unr.edu/matocq/). Marjorie Matocq, Ph.D. Professor Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology University of Nevada Reno Reno, Nevada 89557 775-784-4621 http://naes.unr.edu/matocq/ "Matocq, Marjorie"
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Ecology and Sociobiology of a Wolf-Ungulate Predator-Prey Game
Ecology and Sociobiology of a Wolf-Ungulate Predator-Prey Game Start Date: September 2015 (flexibility exists for exceptional candidates) We have a fully funded PhD position for a student interested studying the spatial ecology and sociobiology of predator-prey dynamics with links to population and disease ecology in a wolf-ungulate community. System: Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) in Manitoba is among the best-studied large mammal communities in Canada. Peer-reviewed research has been produced from the RMNP system for the last 80 years: from Green (1933) and Banfield (1949) to Paquet (1990s) and our recent work. RMNP is a rich system within which to simultaneously ask fundamental and applied ecological and evolutionary questions. Over the coming years and primarily using GPS collars, this project will see all wolf packs and >80% of the elk monitored in one of RMNP��s elk subpopulations, creating a near-perfect spatial and temporal picture of predatory-prey interactions between wolves and their primary prey. Furthermore, the successful applicant will have access to our considerable collection of historical individual- and population-level data on space use and population densities of elk, moose, white-tailed deer and wolves (see our papers for examples). As a result, this project will provide excellent opportunities for both academic and professional advancement. Because it is a PhD-level project, the successful applicant will be expected to develop her or his own ideas and research plan in collaboration with the research team. In the Wildlife Evolutionary Ecology Lab we feel strongly that novel biological ideas are derived from interacting directly with our study species and system, and the successful applicant will be expected to spend considerable amounts of time in the field, supported by an excellent team of biologists at RMNP. The successful applicant will be required to actively investigate kill- and den-sites and to fly telemetry, while simultaneously working with existing data. At the PhD level, this will require an exceptional applicant who can both be in the field and continue to actively analyze and write throughout their program. Qualifications: In addition to a MSc that complements this research, applicants should have five main qualities: (1) a passion for ecological and evolutionary theory; (2) an aptitude for and commitment to research in the field �V in all seasons; (3) well-developed quantitative skills in GIS, statistical programing in R, and experience or an interest in modeling; (4) a track-record of publishing their research in reputable peer-reviewed journals; (5) and foremost, evidence of collegiality. Team: This research is part of a larger collaborative program studying predatory-prey dynamics in wolf-ungulate systems in southern Manitoba. As a result the successful applicant will be a part of a research team that includes Parks Canada biologists, Manitoba Fish and Wildlife ecologists, a MSc student in RMNP (start date May 2016), and another PhD student studying wolf-ungulate dynamics in eastern MB. This collaborative opportunity will permit the right applicant to participate in projects and publications in addition to their own core research. Wildlife Evolutionary Ecology Lab (http://ericvanderwal.weebly.com/): We are a question-driven research group; one of a number of productive and dynamic research groups in ecology, evolution, and animal behavior at MUN. We bridge fundamental and applied questions in evolutionary, behavioral, population, and wildlife ecology, particularly with social ungulates. RMNP has been one of our keystone and must productive research systems and this new program aims to further advance our work on density-dependent resource and space use, social and group dynamics of ungulates now with a finer-scale understanding of the predatory-prey game. To apply please send a letter of interest, CV, and transcripts (unofficial) to eric.vanderwal@mun.ca. Although the position is fully funded, students will be encouraged to compete for internal and external funding; higher GPAs and a history of publications improves competitiveness. The competition will remain open until the position is filled. ~Eric Eric Vander Wal | Assistant Professor Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland Eric Vander Wal
MSc. Position in Ecological Genomics at University of New Brunswick Saint John
*MSc. Position in Ecological Genomics at University of New Brunswick Saint John: Striped Bass Adaptation (Fall 2015 or Winter 2016)* A position is available for a Master�s of Science student to participate in an integrated Striped Bass genomics research program. The student will use ecologically divergent populations and full-genome re-sequencing to determine the genetic basis of adaptation. The student will be part of a lab of a new Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Molecular Ecology and Ecological Genomics at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. Funding is available for a stipend or top-up bonus for students with funding. The student will use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including robotics, to streamline repetitive tasks and will have priority access to a high-powered computer with 1.5 TB of RAM for bioinformatics. The lab is located at the Canadian Rivers Institute ( www.canadianriversinstitute.ca). Suitable candidates will have a solid quantitative background with experience in genetics and genomics lab work and/or bioinformatics. Candidates must have a positive attitude and willingness to work with a team. Experience in programing with R, Python or Perl computer languages is a plus. The position will begin in the fall term of 2015 or winter of 2016. Submit a Cover Letter, CV, contact information for three references and unofficial transcripts that include course names to Dr. Scott Pavey ( scottapavey@gmail.com). Application packages will be accepted until the position is filled. Scott Pavey
Saturday, May 9, 2015
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