Postdoctoral RA School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool 36 months Salary: £30594 (starting)
Project: Host-symbiont coevolution: Exploring the parasitism-mutualism continuum An enthusiastic, dedicated postdoctoral research assistant is sought for a 3-year NERC-funded project that will use experimental evolution allied with genome re-sequencing to study coevolution across the parasitism-mutualism continuum. While both parasitism and mutualism are common ways of life, relatively little is known about how antagonistic and mutualistic coevolution differ. In this project, we will exploit the natural variation in the relationship between a plasmid and its bacterial host, associated with different environmental conditions, to examine in detail the consequences of parasitism and mutualism for the tempo and mode of evolution of both parties in a symbiosis. A complete evolutionary genetic picture of coevolution will be created through utilizing the recent advances in second generation sequencing technologies (454, illumina etc.). The successful candidate will hold a PhD in evolutionary biology (or related); experience of experimental evolution and/or comparative genomics research would be desirable. Training in analysis of next-generation sequencing data and bioinformatics will be provided. The post-holder will perform long-term selection experiments; whole genome re-sequencing; bioinformatics; statistical analysis; manuscript preparation; and assist in lab management. The post will be based in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool under the supervision of Dr Michael Brockhurst and Dr Steve Paterson. The post is available for 3-years from May 2010 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Deadline for applications is the 15th March 2010. Informal enquiries to Dr Brockhurst (br...@liverpool.ac.uk; 01517954519). Closing date: For full details, or to request an application pack, visit: http://www.liv.ac.uk/working/job_vacancies/research/R-571660.htm or e-mail j...@liv.ac.uk Tel 0151 794 2210 (24 hr answerphone)
