Post Doctoral Position- Galliform Phylogenetics
Employer:
University of Florida
Job Field:
Wildlife
Job Type:
Full Time
Job Type:
Experienced Professional
Location:
FloridaJob Description:
A post-doc position is available at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida) to work with Rebecca Kimball (http://people.biology.ufl.edu/rkimball) and Edward Braun (http://people.biology.ufl.edu/ebraun) on the phylogeny and evolution of the Galliformes. The order Galliformes includes the two most economically important birds (the chicken and turkey; both with complete genomes), some of the most spectacular and recognizable birds (such as peafowl and pheasants), and some of the most important avian model systems (e.g., the chicken and Japanese quail). Despite intensive research on galliforms in many areas, their evolutionary relationships remain poorly resolved, limiting the ability to put the extensive information about galliform species into a comparative framework. This project will use multiple genes to produce a well-resolved evolutionary tree for the avian order Galliformes by collecting sequences for many loci for a subset of taxa, and a smaller set of loci for a large number of taxa. One problem is this group arises from several rapid radiations at different evolutionary depths, and the collection of data from large numbers of loci will allow us to explore factors affecting resolution of these difficult phylogenetic problems. The data matrix will also allow examination of patterns of avian molecular evolution, complementing existing information available from mammals, while the resulting phylogeny should benefit comparative studies.
Qualifications:
A post-doc position is available at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida) to work with Rebecca Kimball (http://people.biology.ufl.edu/rkimball) and Edward Braun (http://people.biology.ufl.edu/ebraun) on the phylogeny and evolution of the Galliformes. The order Galliformes includes the two most economically important birds (the chicken and turkey; both with complete genomes), some of the most spectacular and recognizable birds (such as peafowl and pheasants), and some of the most important avian model systems (e.g., the chicken and Japanese quail). Despite intensive research on galliforms in many areas, their evolutionary relationships remain poorly resolved, limiting the ability to put the extensive information about galliform species into a comparative framework. This project will use multiple genes to produce a well-resolved evolutionary tree for the avian order Galliformes by collecting sequences for many loci for a subset of taxa, and a smaller set of loci for a large number of taxa. One problem is this group arises from several rapid radiations at different evolutionary depths, and the collection of data from large numbers of loci will allow us to explore factors affecting resolution of these difficult phylogenetic problems. The data matrix will also allow examination of patterns of avian molecular evolution, complementing existing information available from mammals, while the resulting phylogeny should benefit comparative studies.
How to Apply:
Questions and applications should be addressed to Rebecca Kimball (rkimball@ufl.edu). Applications should include: 1) a cover letter outlining your research experiences, interests and career goals; 2) a c.v. including the names and contact information for at least 3 references; and 3) copies of up to 3 publications or manuscripts in review. Review of applications will begin on May 21, 2012 and continue until position is filled.
Deadline:
05/21/2012 (All day)
Last updated April 20, 2012