Postdoctoral Research Associate Position

October 24, 2007

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Postdoctoral research associate

A two year postdoctoral position is available to study the phylogeny of the lower Bilateria at the Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden.

Swedish Museum of Natural History (www.nrm.se):We have a strong focus on research in organismal diversity and evolution where the extensive collections play an important part. Our laboratory of molecular systematics forms a hub for phylogenetic projects dealing with animals, fungi and plants. Scanning and transmission electron microscopes are available for morphological studies. The department of Invertebrate Zoology will move into renovated and refurbished premises in early 2008. The research division of SMNH offers a broad international working environment and consists of approximately 190 scientists, postgraduate students, administrative and technical personnel from various countries.

Project:Reconstruction of early bilaterian evolution is the central theme for our group. The origin of Bilateria is one of the most important events in animal evolution as it led to an unparalleled explosion of diversity. We study the phylogeny and taxonomy of the poorly known marine worm groups Acoela and Nemertodermatida, formerly classified as flatworms, but now thought to be early bilaterian clades. Comprehensive taxonomic sampling of rDNA and mitochondrial genes is emphasized, as well as morphological data such as sperm ultrastructure and morphology of the nervous system, studied with confocal microscopy. The aim is to provide robust phylogenetic hypotheses and comprehensive classifications. The hypotheses will allow reconstruction of acoel and nemertodermatid ancestors and ultimately the ancestral bilaterian. Sequencing of mitochondrial genomes and ESTs from Nemertodermatida, Acoela and Gastrotricha provides a further test of their position and data for other bilaterian phylogenies, e.g. determining the position of Gastrotricha and Gnathifera without the disadvantage of distant outgroups such as Cnidaria. This postdoctoral project will specifically focus on reconstructing phylogeny from mitochondrial genomes and low copy nuclear genes in key acoel, nemertodermatid and gastrotrich taxa. Starting date by agreement.

Candidates:Interested candidates should have a PhD with experience in molecular phylogenetics including mitochondrial genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of sequence data. Experience in working with microscopic invertebrates (meiofauna) is desirable.

Further information can be obtained from Prof. Ulf Jondelius ulf.jondelius@nrm.se .

Please send your application Marked "dnr 33-674/2007" including a brief statement of research interests, CV and names with addresses of 2 references to rekrytering@nrm.se . Closing date is 20 November 2007.

Professor Ulf Jondelius, PhDHead of departmentInvertebrate ZoologySwedish Museum of Natural History Box 50007SE-104 05 Stockholm, Swedentel +46-8-5195 40 51mobile +46-70 783 87 11

ulf.jondelius@nrm.se

Scholarship