Graduate position:Simulating evolution under complex genotype-phenotype map Full-time NEW

Graduate position

Simulating evolution under complex genotype-phenotype maps

Four year position to do a PhD at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).

This position is ideal for biologists with an interest in theory and evolution. This also includes students interested in evolution, evo-devo, evolutionary theory, embryonic development, mathematical biology, quantitative genetics or population genetics.

The scientific question

Living organisms are very complex. Humans and other animals, for example, have complex organs with an exquisite distribution of cell types and tissues over space that lead to a functional whole. How has this complexity arisen in evolution? Moreover, how is it possible that such complexity arose not only through evolution but also arises in each individual and generation from the relative simple zygote. How are those two processes, evolution and development, related? Ultimately, this complexity has to do with genes but how? Certainly genes have to interact in networks and with the mechanical properties of cells for complex phenotypes to arise. The question of this project is, thus, how have genes been wired in development and over evolution to lead to the complexity we see in life.

Current evolutionary theory provides the basic principles to understand such evolution; but its theoretical core, population genetics, was built at a time when not much was known about how genes and cells interact to construct the body in each generation (e.g. from a zygote). In fact, most of evolutionary theory relies, directly or indirectly, on simple and outdated models of the relationship between genetic and phenotypic variation (the genotype-phenotype map).

This project uses existing models, developed in the group, to simulate the evolution of complex 3D phenotypes (i.e. morphologies made of thousands of cells) under natural selection. These models consider a population of individuals, their genotypes, mutation, drift, the phenotype of each individual and natural selection based on these phenotypes. The model considers the genetic and cellular interactions possible in animal development. Each genotype is, in fact, a developmental gene network from which the phenotype arises. Through mutations these gene networks can change and, thus, lead to different individual phenotypes and underlying development. This way we do not have to assume that the genotype-phenotype map is in a certain way, we can just let it evolve.

Since classical evolutionary theory does not consider the genotype-phenotype map, development or how these evolve, this models also allows to explore questions not classically addressable, e.g. how development itself or the genotype-phenotype map evolve. Ultimately the question is how development could evolve to lead to complex phenotypes and how does development affect evolutionary dynamics. For more detailed outlines of the research ask (isaac.salazar@uab.cat) and check the group’s webpage: https://webs.uab.cat/salazar-ciudad-lab/

Your position

The PhD candidate will be responsible for planning and executing simulations of phenotypic evolution (where the phenotype are complex 3D morphologies and gene expression) to address fundamental questions in evolutionary theory (both questions of his own and the group). The model for evolution is already built but the PhD candidate may have to modify parts of it to address specific evolutionary questions. The candidate will also be analyze and interpret the results of the simulations.

Your profile

-The most important requirement is a strong interest and motivation for science and evolution. A capacity for creative and critical thinking is also required.

-The research involves using existing mathematical models, program some modifications, data analysis, literature research, passionate scientific discussions with colleagues and just plain thinking. Being able to communicate and discuss ideas, crazy and not crazy ones, is a desirable skill but so is a capacity for introspective reasoning.

-Scientific programming skills or a willingness to acquire them are required.

-Candidates should have a University Degree and a Master’s Degree in biology or related topics within the European Higher Education System (minimum 300 ECTS) or equivalent by September 2026.

We offer you

A fully-funded PhD position for four years in a dynamic research group with an excellent research infrastructure in the international Department of Genetics and Microbiology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. You will join a supportive, collaborative and cooperative working environment and will have the opportunity to be integrated in established international research net-works. The Autonomous University of Barcelona (http://www.uab.cat) is the second best university in Spain. Barcelona is a vibrant city with the highest concentration of biological research centers and companies in southern Europe.

Salazar-Ciudad group is the Genetics and microbiology deparment in the UAB (www.uab.cat). Our group is highly international. It is mostly composed of theoretical evolutionary and developmental biologists.

The Genetics and Microbiology department is very international and, thus, not being able to speak Catalan or Spanish is not a problem.

The application must include

-Application letter including a statement of interests and motivation (i.e. who are you, what have you studied, why would you like to work in this research topic, why, which things have you understood or wondered about biology or evolution that make you thing you would like to spend at least four years of your life in this topic, etc.)

-CV including degrees obtained, subjects included in degree (for the bachelor and master), grades obtained (for the bachelor and masters), average grade.

Foreign applicants, especially non-EU applicants, should attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. All documents should be in English, no official translation is required in the initial application but may be requested afterwards. Applications should be sent to Isaac Salazar-Ciudad by email:

isaac.salazar@uab.cat

Starting date

Starting date to be negotiated (from september 2026 to early 2027).

References to get a glance of our research

Salazar-Ciudad I, Marín-Riera M.Adaptive dynamics under development-based genotype-phenotype maps. Nature. 2013 May 16;497(7449):361-4.

Salazar-Ciudad I, Cano-Fernández H. Evo-devo beyond development: Generalizing evo-devo to all levels of the phenotypic evolution. Bioessays. 2023 Mar;45(3):e2200205

Hagolani PF, Zimm R, Vroomans R, Salazar-Ciudad I. On the evolution and development of morphological complexity: A view from gene regulatory networks. PLoS Comput Biol. 2021 Feb 24;17(2):e1008570.

Tagged as: Life Sciences