PostDoc in Ecological Research on Natural Rodent Populations
In this project, embedded in the University Research Priority Program
‘Evolution in Action’ (http://www.evolution.uzh.ch/index.html), we
combine ecological research on natural rodent populations along
altitudinal gradients in the Swiss Alps with genomics approaches to
obtain insight into the genetic basis of variation in Borrelia
resistance and the role of pathogens in shaping adaptive processes in
natural host populations. The postdoc’s focus will be on the genomics
aspects of this project.
Wild rodents are main hosts of the spirochete Borrelia sp., the
causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in humans. Despite frequent exposure
to Borrelia-transmitting ticks, only a fraction of animals within a
population become Borrelia-infected, indicating that natural hosts have
evolved powerful defence mechanisms, which prevent and / or control
Borrelia infection. To date, this variation in Borrelia resistance
remains poorly understood. Furthermore, in the Alps, host populations
differ in tick and Borrelia exposure, with high parasite pressure at
lower elevations and low parasite pressure at higher elevations, and
there is evidence that Borrelia has recently moved upwards and newly
infects host populations that were previously Borrelia-free. This
provides a unique opportunity to track rapid evolutionary changes in
host populations in response to an emerging pathogen.
The ideal candidate for this project is fascinated by evolutionary
questions, has a can-do attitude and experience in ecological genomics
and bioinformatics. The postdoc will be based at the Institute of
Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies of the University of
Zurich, providing ample opportunities for collaborations and
interactions with researchers working in related and complementary
fields (http://www.ieu.uzh.ch). The institute is very international and
the working language is English.
The position is funded for 1 year (gross salary CHF 75’500 per annum).
However, the successful applicant is strongly encouraged to apply for
competitive internal funding
(http://www.researchers.uzh.ch/promotion/forschungskredit/postdoc_en.html)
to extend the position to up to 3 years. The ideal starting date is
autumn 2014 (negotiable).
Applications should include 1) a cover letter outlining your motivation
to work on this project as well as relevant experience, 2) a detailed
curriculum vitae, and 3) the contact details of three academic referees.
Send the above as a single .pdf file to barbara.tschirren@ieu.uzh.ch
Review of applications will start on July 1st 2014, but candidates will
be considered until the position is filled.