Job announcement
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University of Bern, Switzerland

starting date: 1.1. 2010
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PhD position - University of Bern, Switzerland*

Behavior and genomics of reproductive isolation and hybridization in voles

I am looking for a PhD candidate to work on a project combining fieldwork in hybrid zones, breeding and mate choice experiments, and genomic analyses in the common vole (Microtus arvalis). You will trap voles in or around Switzerland to expand information on hybrid zones among evolutionary lineages, establish and maintain a small breeding colony of voles in the laboratory, and perform mate choice experiments in order to determine the level of pre- and postzygotic reproductive isolation. Together with other members of the group, you will analyze the genomic consequences of partial reproductive isolation and characterize genes of special interest with state-of-the-art genome sequencing technologies and classical population genetics marker systems.

I am seeking a highly-motivated, independent candidate with excellent organizational skills. The ideal candidate has experience with fieldwork and behavioral experiments with small mammals, a solid background in evolutionary biology and population genetics, and some experience with molecular laboratory work. Experience with bioinformatics is a plus but not essential. A degree equivalent to a biology diploma or M.Sc., and a valid driver’s license is required. Good knowledge of written and spoken English is expected. Some knowledge of German or French would be beneficial for living in Switzerland but it is not necessary. The working language in our group is English.

The CMPG offers a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities for laboratory work and computational analyses. We are also part of the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB, http://www.isb-sib.ch/). Information on the research group, the University of Bern, or the beautiful city of Bern and its magnificent surroundings can be obtained from http://cmpg.unibe.ch/ and http://bern.ch/.

The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation for three years, and the anticipated starting date is January 1st 2010. For informal inquiries, please contact me directly by email.

Please send your application including CV, list of publications, a letter outlining your past research experience and particular motivation for this position (max. 2 pages), and contact details of 2-3 referees in a single pdf file to gerald.heckel@iee.unibe.ch