PhD Position in Theoretical Population Genetics, Univ. of Vienna, Austria

PhD Position in Theoretical Population Genetics at the University of
Vienna

The mathematics and biosciences group (MaBS, homepage www.mabs.at) at
the University of Vienna is looking for a strong and highly motivated
candidate for a PhD position in evolutionary modeling and statistical
data analysis.

Research environment: Vienna is not only one of the world’s most
liveable cities, but also offers an excellent research environment and
currently develops into one of the main centers in evolutionary
research in Europe. The position will be located at the Max F. Perutz
Laboratories, part of Vienna’s strong bioscience campus.

Project: Due to modern methods of high-throughput sequencing, huge
amounts of DNA sequence data from population samples (”polymorphism
data”) are available today. Interpretation of these data is an
important task for theoreticians. In the project, we will develop
novel methods to detect so-called footprints of selection in DNA
polymorphism data. These footprints can be used to describe the
pattern of recent adaptations on a genome. We will particularly focus
on effects of population structure and spatially variable selection on
genetic footprints. We will use mathematical methods based on
stochastic processes (coalescent theory) and extensive computer
simulations. The project is part of an international DFG-research
group “Natural Selection in Structured Populations” in collaboration
with groups in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Munich, and
Mathematics at the University of Freiburg.

Conditions: The position is for three years, salary is according to
the FWF standard rates for PhD students in Austria. The starting date
is flexible (November 08 or later).

Application: We are looking for a candidate with a strong background
in quantitative methods (analytical or computational modeling or data
analysis) and interest in evolutionary research. Applicants should
have a Master / Diploma degree in natural science (e.g. biology or
physics), mathematics, or bioinformatics . Programming skills are
highly appreciated. The working language in the group is English.
German skills are not essential. The reviewing process will start in
mid October 2008 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applications should include a CV, letter of interest, and the names
and email addresses of two potential referees. Applications and
informal inquiries should be sent (preferably as a single pdf) to
Joachim Hermisson (joachim.hermisson[AT]univie.ac.at).

website link:
http://www.mabs.at/positions.html