We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to study the
population dynamic and molecular evolution of sex determining genes
in social hymenoptera (honey and bumble bees). Understanding the
evolutionary forces and processes that have led to the fascinating
(single locus) sex determining system in these bees will contribute
to elucidate general principles in evolution. Sex determination in the
honey bee Apis mellifera is governed by heterozygosity at a single
locus harbouring the complementary sex determiner (csd) gene, which
arose by gene duplication prior honey bee divergence.
Bees heterozygous at csd are females, whereas homozygotes and hemizygotes (haploid individuals) are males. Diploid males occur when csd is homozygous and are lethal in Apis mellifera. Rare alleles thus have a selective advantage, are seldom lost by the effect of genetic drift, and are maintained over extended periods
of time when compared with neutral polymorphisms.
The ideal candidate should have a Master´s degree (or equivalent
degree) with a strong background in population genetics, including
excellent skills in molecular lab work and major interest in
bioinformatics. Genome data from several honey and bumble bees
will be available for future research projects. We offer a stimulating
and dynamic working environment and excellent research facilities
in my recently established independent research group (Population genetics of social insects)as Heisenberg fellow.
Latest publications (PNAS; Nature, PlosBiol)can be found under http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Hasselmann%20Martin.
The position (TV-L 13 65%) is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for three years.
The University of Cologne is committed to promoting equal-
opportunity in employment. Women are particularly encouraged
to apply. In case of equal qualification and aptitude, dis-abled persons will be given priority.
Applicants should send a cover letter, C.V., list of publications,
a statement outlining past research experience and particular
motivation for the position (max. 2 pages), and contact
details of 2-3 referees to martin.hasselmann@uni-koeln.de. Please
contact me for any further questions and send in your application
as a single pdf by 20. Mai 2012 latest. Interviews will start in June.
The candidate should start working by mid of 2012.