Ph.D or post-doc assistantship in plant evolution/biogeography at the University of Zurich
Position description: Applications are open for one 3-yr Ph.D. assistantship (or a part-time post-doctoral assistantship) to study the origin and evolution of island endemics in the Mediterranean Region. Our first studies on Rutaceae, Araceae and Boraginaceae used chloroplast DNA sequences and geological data to reconstruct the temporal and spatial frameworks for the origin of plants endemic to the continental fragment islands of Corsica and Sardinia and the oceanic islands of the Canarian archipelago (Salvo, G., S. Ho, G. Rosenbaum, R. Ree, E. Conti. 2010. Tracing the temporal and spatial origins of island endemics in the Mediterranean region: A case study from the citrus family (Ruta L., Rutaceae). In Press Systematic Biology; Mansion, G., F. Selvi, E. Conti. 2009. Origin of Mediterranean insular endemics in the Boraginaceae: Integrative evidence from molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction. Journal of Biogeography 36:1282-1296; Mansion G., G. Rosenbaum, G. Bacchetta, J Rossello, E. Conti. 2008. Phylogenetic analysis informed by geological history supports multiple, sequential invasions of the Mediterranean basin by the angiosperm family Araceae. Systematic Biology 57:269-285). Some of the open questions include the following: i) Are species in the selected Mediterranean groups monophyletic? ii) What are the origins of the polyploid species? iii) Is there variation of ploidy levels within species? iv) Was island colonization associated with a shift of the ecological niche? The successful applicant will choose one or more of these plant families to: generate flow cytometry data aimed at determining ploidy levels; generate nuclear DNA sequences and infer species trees; incorporate ecological data to investigate issues of niche conservatism vs. niche evolution in the selected groups.
Requirements: Demonstrated experience in molecular, phylogenetic and flow-cytometry methods and/or ecological niche modeling will be highly valued in the selection process. Excellent knowledge of the English language, written and oral, required. Familiarity with additional European languages would be useful for fieldwork in the Mediterranean Region and living in Switzerland.
Facilities: Our research group offers a very supportive working atmosphere and excellent research facilities in a highly international scientific environment. Several opportunities for collaborations and participation at international meetings are available.
How to apply: Send the following documents by email AS A SINGLE PDF FILE to Prof. Elena Conti, ContiElena@access.uzh.ch: I) a one- to two-page application letter clearly addressing the following questions: a) Why are you interested in a Ph.D. or post-doc position in this research topic? b) What are your career goals?; II) your detailed curriculum vitae, including a list of field collecting, molecular, analytical, and linguistic skills, presentations at scientific meetings, and publications (if applicable); III) a copy of your undergraduate and graduate academic record; IV) names and full addresses of two or three referees selected from your academic advisors.
Finally, ask your referees to send reference letters directly to Prof. Conti by email addressing: i) your intellectual and academic skills, ii) your dedication to science, and iii) your ability to work cooperatively in a team.
Deadline for application: June 30, 2010. Positions will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Starting date: As soon as a suitable candidate is selected.
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