PhD Student Position – Plant Molecular Evolution University of Vienna, Faculty Center Biodiversity, Systematic and Evolutionary Botany

The systematics and evolution research group offers a three years doctoral student position in the frame of a research project on "Reticulate evolution and other sources of polymorphism in the genus Gentianella section Gentianella" to reveal reticulate evolution, cryptic speciation, ancient polymorphism and lineage sorting. The project is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

A large sample and data from cpDNA markers, AFLP and morphological data will be used to study relationships within the section. Other markers will be investigated. Spatial patterns of genetic admixture along range boundaries of taxa will be used to infer hybrid zones and introgression and the nature of the uncertainty zones in the western Alps, where G. germanica and G. rhaetica probably co-occur in secondary contact. Cryptic differention wasfound between these two taxa that are morphologically highly similaralthough genetically strongly differentiated. Concerning eastern and south-eastern Europe the key question is whether conserved ancient polymorphism in a highly variable taxon that shows morphological affinities to its descendents or varying introgression from adjacent taxa is the prevailing pattern.

Tasks

The successful applicant would be involved in field material and data sampling, molecular lab work and analysis as well as morphological data analysis. Specific tasks associated with the research project include: DNA extraction, PCR, AFLP, preparation of material for sequencing, phylogenetic & biogeographic analysis, molecular dating.

Qualifications

The applicant must have:

(1) A Master’s degree or aequivalent in Biology. This degree should emphasize especially molecular systematics and botany.

(2) Good communication skills (written and verbal) in English, including the potential to teach in English.

(3) Documented ability to perform basic research projects under supervision.

(4) Solide knowledge of taxonomic principles, and of molecular systematic theory, concepts, challenges and new developments

(5) Routine molecular systematics laboratory skills (e.g. DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, AFLP).

Further information may be obtained by email (josef.greimler@univie.ac.at) with subject "PhD position".

The PhD position will begin during summer or autumn 2010 (can be negotiated).