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
[email protected] .
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 [email protected] . Closing date is 20 November 2007.
Professor Ulf Jondelius, PhD
Head of department
Invertebrate Zoology
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Box 50007
SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
tel +46-8-5195 40 51
mobile +46-70 783 87 11
[email protected]
