A postdoctoral position in evolutionary genomics/evo-devo is available in the group of Dr. Walter Salzburger at the University of Basel, Switzerland (http://www.evolution.unibas.
The ERC Starting Grant 'INTERGENADAPT' will run for a period of five years. It will focus on the identification of the molecular basis of adaptation, evolutionary innovation and diversification in one of the
most exciting model systems for evolutionary research, the adaptive radiations of cichlid fishes in the East African Great Lakes Tanganyika, Malawi and Victoria. These lakes harbor ecologically and
morphologically highly diverse species flocks counting hundreds of endemic cichlid species each. We are interested in the genetic and developmental basis of the morphogenesis of sexually and naturally selected traits that might be crucial to the cichlid's evolutionary success (e.g. mouth morphology, pharyngeal jaw apparatus, color and pigmentation patterns). To do so, we will apply cutting edge
technologies. The forthcoming genomes of four cichlid species will certainly facilitate these efforts.
We are looking for a highly motivated, open-minded, creative and socially skilled young researcher that shares our enthusiasm in the study of evolution. Ideally, the candidate has some background in one
or several of the following fields: bio-informatics, developmental biology, (cichlid) fish biology, evolutionary biology, evo-devo, evolutionary genomics, molecular evolution, and/or transcriptomics.
The initial appointment will be made for one year, with a possible extension to up to three years. The salary ranges between CHF 55'000 and CHF 70'000 (per year; after tax), depending on experience. The
position is available from October 2008, the starting date is negotiable though.
To apply, please send
(1) your CV,
(2) a list of your publications,
(3) a statement of your research interests,
(4) a statement why you would like to join our team, and
(5) the names of two persons who can be contacted for a reference letter
to the following email address:
salzburgerlab-dib@unibas.ch
Please also use this email address for informal enquiries.
Deadline for submission is September 17th, 2008.
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Note, that there is also a position open for a PhD student (3 years). Further positions will be advertised at a later stage of the grant period.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Salzburger Lab (
African cichlid fishes, although we also study the adaptive radiation of Antarctic notothenioid fishes and the diversification of Alpine taxa. We also develop our own software. Core of the Salzburger Lab is
an excellently equipped molecular laboratory with an AB 3130xl genetic analyzer, an epMotion pipetting workstation, Veriti gradient PCR machines, research microscopes, etc.
The Salzburger group is based within the evolutionary biology group of the University of Basel's Zoological Institute (http://www.evolution.unibas.
The University of Basel (http://www.unibas.ch/) is Switzerland's oldest University with a strong focus on "Culture" and "Life Sciences". About 9'000 undergraduates and 2'000 postgraduate and doctoral students are enrolled in Basel. The University is regularly ranked among the best 100 Universities worldwide and top-ten in the German speaking countries.
Basel (http://www.basel.ch) is located in north-western Switzerland on the river Rhine and borders Germany (Baden-Württemberg) and France (Alsace). Basel is an open and international cultural, educational, and economic metropolis and a major centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. It is well connected by air transport (through the EuroAirport Basel), by train (through Swiss, German and
French train stations) and by highway. Basel has nearly forty museums and a dozen of theaters and was host city of this years UEFA Euro tournament.
