PhD position in "Evolution of sex chromosomes in squamate reptiles"

Project description:

The aim of the project is to examine the evolution of sex chromosomes and their homology based on gene content in selected lineages of squamate reptiles (eg. lizards and snakes). Squamate reptiles possess lineages with either XX/XY, ZZ/ZW or temperature-dependent sex determination. Despite the recent advances in the field, our knowledge about their sex determination systems and sex chromosome homology is limited only to few groups of reptiles (eg. iguanas, advanced snakes), while the majority of reptilian lineages remain unstudied. The successful candidate will study the evolution of sex chromosomes in a multidirectional approach, involving cytogenetics (eg. FISH, chromosome painting), molecular genetics (eg. qPCR) and bioinformatics (eg. transcriptomics).

Qualifications:

The applicant should possess Master degree (or equivalent title) and a proven expertise in a related field of biology: evolutionary biology, cytogenetics, phylogenetics, genomics and/or bioinformatics. Previous experience in herpetology is not necessary.

Application:

The applicant should send a short letter explaining his/her background and motivation, full CV and contact information for two references to both Dr. Michail Rovatsos (michail.rovatsos@natur.cuni.cz) and Dr. Lukas Kratochvil (lukas.kratochvil@natur.cuni.cz).

The successful candidate will be financially supported, with a salary sufficient for a comfortable living in Prague, Czech Republic, relevant to qualifications, which will be further increased based on performance. Suitable candidates will be interviewed until March 31th. For any additional information, do not hesitate to write an email.

Michail Rovatsos

Department of Ecology
Faculty of Science
Charles University
Vinicna 7, 12843 Praha 2
Czech Republic