Come fare…

The Ecological Genetics Research Unit (EGRU), Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, invites applications for Doctoral Student Position in the field of evolutionary genetics of sticklebacks. The assignment will begin on the early 2008 (start date is flexible) and end in the end of 2010. EGRU is part of the Finnish
Centre of Excellence in Evolutionary Genetics and Physiology (www.coe.fi).

The thesis will focus on identification of genes and genomic regions subject to directional selection stemming from local differences in specific environmental conditions. The planned work includes QTL-mapping, hitchhiking mapping,
gene expression and sequence analyses of candidate genes as well as phylogenetic analyses of gene sequences. The model species will be the ninespined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius).
A successful candidate for this position will have background in population genetics/genomics and evolutionary biology. Experience and inclination on practical laboratory work with microsatellites/SNPs and/or gene sequences is essential. Applications without a demonstrated interest and/or research history in genetics will not be considered.

We are looking for an individual with a Masters Degree or equivalent, who is highly self-motivated and can work both independently and in a team. The working language will be English. The thesis work will be supervised by Dr. Takahito Shikano and Prof. Juha Merilä.

An overview of our past and current research can be found at http://www.helsinki.fi/biosci/egru and http://www.coe.fi.
The salary will be based on level 2 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities, and the job-specific component of the salary will thus be EUR 1 678 per month. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance.
The application should include a complete

- CV
- Publication list (if available)
- A scanned academic transcript (list of grades in university courses)
- A statement of research interests and motivation for applying this position not exceeding two pages
- Two references.

Applications should be addressed to the Faculty of Biosciences and sent to Department of biological and Environmental Sciences, Professor Juha Merilä, P. O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 9), FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, to arrive no later than 15th December 2007, by 3:45 p.m.
(local Helsinki time).

More information about Finland, University of Helsinki, and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences can be found from the following links:
www.helsinki.fi/en/index.html (city)
www.helsinki.fi/university/ (university)
http://www.helsinki.fi/bio/english/ (department)

Helsinki, November 22, 2007
Administration Office
–

Juha Merilä
Ecological Genetics Research Unit
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
PO Box 65 (Biocenter 3, Viikinkaari 1)
FIN-00014 University of Helsinki
Finland

Fax: +358-9-191 57 694
Tel (gsm): +358-40-8374165
Tel (secr.): +358-9-191 57797
E-mail: juha.merila@helsinki.fi

juha merila <juha.merila@helsinki.fi>