Evolutionary genetics of an invading species, UK

PhD research studentship on the "Evolutionary genetics of an invading
species, the harlequin ladybird

Supervised by Dr Lori Lawson Handley
Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group, School of Biological Sciences,
University of Hull, UK

A fully funded PhD studentship is available to study the evolutionary
genetics of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, a species that
is currently invading the British Isles and posing a potentially
devastating risk to native ladybirds. The pace of the invasion and
the rigorous monitoring of the harlequin's spread since its first
detection in September 2004, provide an opportunity for a unique case
study that will contribute significantly to our understanding of the
evolutionary genetics of species invasions. This project will compare
patterns of genetic variation in UK harlequins to introduced
populations in continental Europe and native populations in Asia,
using a spatially explicit landscape genetics framework, in order to
1) investigate the number of founders and identify potential sources
of invasion 2) characterize spatial and temporal patterns of genetic
structure during the establishment and spread of the species in
comparison to its native range and 3) compare the population
structure of the invading harlequin to the native ladybird
populations most at risk from competition and predation to better
understand the reasons for the vulnerability of the recipient species

Applicants should have a keen interest in evolutionary/ecological
genetics and hold at least an upper second class honours degree in
the life sciences. The project will entail field, lab and computer
based work, including sample collection, DNA analyses, statistical
genetics and GIS. Enthusiasm for these areas, but not necessarily
prior experience, is essential.

Informal enquiries are strongly encouraged. Please feel free to
contact Lori Lawson Handley for more information on the project
(ljl27@cam.ac.uk, 01223 760346). The project is in collaboration with
Prof. M. Majerus and Remy Ware at the University of Cambridge. See
the website of the Harlequin Ladybird Survey, http://www.harlequin-
survey.org/ for more background info on the harlequin invasion.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 3RD SEPTEMBER 2007

Interviews will be held in Hull during the second week of September
and the start date is no later than 1st January 2008. The stipend is
approximately £12,600 pa

Dr Lori Lawson Handley
Department of Genetics,
University of Cambridge,
Downing Street,
Cambridge
CB2 3EH
U.K.

Email: ljl27@cam.ac.uk
Phone +44 (0)1223 760346
Group URL: http://www.gen.cam.ac.uk/newdept/research/labs/balloux.htm