Postdoctoral Fellow
2-year postdoctoral position in population genomics and speciation in Montpellier, France Full-time
Job description:
We seek a postdoctoral researcher with experience in population genomics to work on an ANR (French research agency)-funded project (ANR MECADAPT) addressing the mechanisms of adaptation and speciation in a phytophagous species, the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum). This pest species is a model system in ecological specialisation and speciation studies due to its complex of plant-specialised biotypes that form a continuum of divergence from closely related host races to incipient species. The postdoc will be in charge of population genomics approaches to explore the evolutionary history of biotype formation and diversification in the pea aphid complex. She/he will perform demographic inferences to reconstruct the evolutionary and demographic history of biotype diversification and genomic differentiation analyses to characterise loci involved in reproductive isolation and the dynamics of genomic differentiation as speciation unfolds. Datasets made of >200 pooled and individual resequenced genomes from worldwide samples will be available at the start of the project and will be expanded during the project. The project allows for much flexibility in the direction taken depending on the postdoc’s interests and ideas.
Host institution and collaborative network:
The position will be based at CBGP (Centre of biology for the management of populations – https://www6.montpellier.inrae.fr/cbgp_eng/ @CBGPMontpellier), Montferriez-sur-Lez, near Montpellier, France, in strong interaction with ISEM (Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier – https://isem-evolution.fr/en/ @isemevol). The postdoc will closely work with Carole Smadja (ISEM/CBGP), Emmanuelle Jousselin (CBGP), Mathieu Gautier (CBGP) and Renaud Vitalis (CBGP) and will benefit from the available expertise in population genomics, speciation/adaptation genomics and aphid evolution and biology at the host institution. The postdoc will also collaborate with the other partners of the ANR project based in Rennes (Jean-Christophe Simon, Julie Jaquiéry, Fabrice Legeai at IGEPP – INRAE), in Poitiers (Jean Peccoud at EBI – University of Poitiers), and Sheffield (Roger Butlin, Animal and Plant Sciences Department – University of Sheffield, UK). The postdoc will therefore benefit from a rich collaborative network, as well as a stimulating working environment in Montpellier, a centre of excellence in biodiversity research and known for its quality of life in the Mediterranean region.
Candidate profile:
Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant area (evolutionary biology, population genomics). We are seeking someone with a vivid interest in evolutionary biology and speciation/adaptation research and with a strong background in population genomics and statistical genetics. Experience in handling genomic data and population genomics methods, as well as skills in bioinformatics and programming, are required. A plus would be a candidate with existing experience with methods for demographic inference. The candidate should have excellent skills in written and spoken English to be able to communicate the results of his/her work. Candidates will not need to speak French since the working language can be English.
Appointment details:
The appointment is for 2 years minimum (up to 32 months, depending on the level of experience at which the postdoc will be hired), with a possible starting date between July and September 2021. Net monthly salary will be between 1950 and 2480 euros, depending on experience.
Interested?
Inquiries can be addressed to Carole Smadja (carole.smadja@umontpellier.fr) and Emmanuelle Jousselin (emmanuelle.jousselin@inrae.fr) for further information. Applications should be sent by email to Carole Smadja and Emmanuelle Jousselin, accompanied by a cover letter, a detailed CV, a list of publications, and two recommendation letters.
Deadline for application: 15/05/2021; Reviewing of applications will begin soon after the deadline but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.