EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Belgium

4 YEAR PhD POSITION IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven (B)

A 4 year PhD position for an evolutionary biologist is immediately vacant
at the Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology (Catholic University of Leuven) in the
research group of Prof. Filip Volckaert to study “Strong selection
pressures and micro-evolutionary responses in the three-spined stickleback”.

Description: The project investigates the conceptual and methodological
integration of ecology and evolutionary biology. The successful candidate
will study the evolutionary response of the three-spined stickleback to
strong selection pressures (predation and parasitism) in an ecological
context. Patterns of phenotypic variation will be explored in natural
populations and phenotypic adaptation tested experimentally. The
stickleback is a prime model for evolutionary research with access to an
impressive molecular toolbox, enabling the understanding of the link
between phenotypic and genomic responses to environmental and anthropogenic
factors. Evolution in sticklebacks has been studied in our team over the
past five years (see Raeymaekers et al. 2005 and 2007, Molecular Ecology).
The project starts on 1 October 2007 and is supervised by prof. Filip
Volckaert and dr. Joost Raeymaekers.

The team: The Fish Genetics Team has a strong expertise in neutral and
adaptive evolution, including field monitoring, experimental design,
medium-throughput genotyping, the analysis of genetic, genomic, and
phenotypic data with up-to-date statistical approaches, and modeling for
heuristic and operational analyses. Topics addressed include phylogeny,
barcoding, phylogeography, population genetics, local adaptation and rapid
evolution (natural and fisheries induced), enhanced selection in
aquaculture (aquaculture genomics), co-evolution between host and parasite,
spatio-temporal dynamics of nursery grounds and the management of aquatic
habitats. Our team comprises 6 PhD students, 4 postdocs, 2 technicians and
a team leader. The historic KULeuven, founded in 1425, has a very
stimulating research environment. The modern city of Leuven with its
medieval roots offers a high quality of life.

Profile: High motivation, background in evolutionary biology, interest or
experience in field based experimental research is strongly recommended.
Research will be carried out in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
of ecologists, evolutionary biologists and population geneticists.

Financing: The successful candidate’s fellowship (approximately 1600 € /
month netto) is funded by a national project of excellence (GOA). The
candidate is expected to apply for a national IWT fellowship.

Application deadline: Please send a letter of motivation, C.V., and two
letters of reference to Filip Volckaert by 6 August 2007.

Address:
Dr. Filip Volckaert
Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology
Catholic University of Leuven
Ch. Deberiotstraat 32
B-3000 Leuven
Belgium
Phone: +32 16 32 45 75
E-mail: filip.volckaert@bio.kuleuven.be
URL: http://bio.kuleuven.be/eco


Dr. Filip Volckaert
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, [Research Group on Fish Genetics (room 01.01)]
Postbox 02439
Ch. Deberiotstraat 32
B-3000 Leuven, BELGIUM
Phone: +32 16 32 39 72 (office) or +32 16 32 39 66 (secretariat)
Fax: +32 16 32 45 75
Mailto:filip.volckaert [at] bio.kuleuven.be
URL:
<http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/bio/eco>http://bio<http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/bio/eco>.kuleuven.be<http://www.kuleuven.ac.be/bio/eco>/eco




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Filip Volckaert <Filip.Volckaert@bio.kuleuven.be>