Mots-Clés
Population Genomics
bioinformatics
evolution
speciation
hybridization
Description
Two-year position as a young researcher in population genomics at University of Montpellier, France.
This opportunity falls under the H2020 'Teaming' program of the European Commission, specifically within the Biopolis project. The goal is to transform the CIBIO laboratory in Portugal into a center of excellence for Research, Development, and Innovation in biodiversity, agrobiodiversity, and ecosystem services. The University of Montpellier (UM) is a partner in this initiative. The selected candidate will contribute to a collaborative research project between CIBIO and the University of Montpellier, as well as engage in knowledge transfer to CIBIO.
The scientific project linked to this opportunity seeks to characterize the significance, determinants, and consequences of current and historical genetic exchanges among closely related species. This will be achieved through the analysis of population genomic data, including whole-genome sequences from diverse populations of various mouse taxa within the genus Mus.
In Montpellier, the recruited candidate will be under the supervision of Pierre Boursot, Directeur de Recherche at Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution Montpellier (ISEM). The Montpellier site, including ISEM, hosts a robust community with a keen interest in population genomics. The project will benefit from interactions with teams from other collaborating laboratories, such as CBGP and CEFE. The candidate will receive support from the engineers of the ISEM bioinformatics platform.
In Portugal, the recruit will have co-supervision from José Melo-Ferreira, Principal Researcher at CIBIO. Additionally, a PhD student and a post-doc from Melo-Ferreira's team will also be involved in the project.
The selected candidate will assume responsibility for analyzing an original dataset, in conjunction with other published datasets, encompassing numerous whole genome sequences that represent populations of various subspecies of the house mouse (Mus musculus) and sympatric members of the genus. In addition to active participation in project discussions, the candidate will stay abreast of existing and emerging analysis and inference methods, propose methods aligned with project objectives, and implement them.
The primary goal of the project is to characterize genetic exchanges between taxa, elucidating their extent, timing, evolutionary causes and consequences. The candidate will also have the flexibility to explore additional avenues with this exceptional dataset, based on interest and feasibility. He/she will be responsible for preparing the publication of results in international peer-reviewed journals and communicating findings orally in scientific meetings.
Furthermore, the candidate will play a key role in the scientific engagement of the two affiliated teams, contributing to periodic meetings and discussions, whether in person or remotely.
- Contributing to the project's conceptualization, conducting technical surveillance, and generating proposals.
- Executing data analyses through diverse bioinformatic methods.
- Periodically presenting and discussing results with the project team and collaborators.
- Utilizing results for communications and publications.
- Establishing traceability and reproducibility for both results and methods.
- Actively participating in the scientific dynamics of the team.
- Potentially co-supervising student internships.
We are in search of an individual holding a PhD degree with a robust background in evolutionary biology, particularly in population genetics and genomics, along with proficient skills in genomics-related bioinformatics, as evidenced by a strong publication record. The ideal candidate should possess adept capabilities in writing, communication, and teamwork. An attentive application of the principles of integrity and reproducibility in scientific outcomes is essential. While an excellent command of written and spoken English is a requirement, mastery of the French and/or Portuguese languages is not obligatory.
The work will be centered in Montpellier, with extended stays in Portugal anticipated (fully funded by the project).
The application should include a letter of intent describing your research interests and your suitability for the position. The application should also include a CV with a publication list and other relevant achievements. Please provide contact details for at least two references.
Send application until January 2, 2024 to <pierre.boursot@umontpellier.fr>
The position is for two years, starting as soon as possible for the selected candidate. Remuneration will depend on experience, according to the salary scales of Université de Montpellier.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 857251