The Division of Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation is part of the Biology Department at KU Leuven. We aim to improve our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of natural populations in relation to their local environment.
We combine fieldwork with genetic data analysis and state-of-the-art modelling techniques to answer eco-evolutionary questions such as "how does pollution impact genetic diversity and evolutionary potential?"
More information ? See https//bio.kuleuven.be/research
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Project

About EPICAL : Mutations are a major driving force behind evolution. Populations with more mutations may thus evolve more efficiently in response to environmental changes. In EPICAL, we study natural mutation rate variation, and how epigenetic processes contribute to this variation.

Why is this important ? The mutation rate affects the rate at which populations adapt to environmental changes, and at which new species are formed. The entire tree of life is based on a fixed mutation rate, a view that might need revision based on our research.

The successful PhD candidate will be among the first to join a team of researchers addressing how epigenetic variation and environmental stressors interact to shape natural mutation rate variation.

This position, under the supervision of Hanne De Kort, will involve sequence-evolve-resequence experiments with Daphnia magna a a versatile study system By re-sequencing the genome after multiple generations, the rate at which new mutations and epigenetic signals arise can be monitored.

We will also explore to what extent temperature and landscape characteristics drive natural mutation rate variation, and whether the same processes might be relevant to other species.

Profile

You hold a MSc degree in a relevant field (Biology, Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Sciences or related fields) or you will have obtained it by the time you start working
You can demonstrate excellent study results
You have passion for nature and biodiversity
You have a background in evolutionary biology and/or genetics
You have a background in programming languages such as R or python
You are fluent in English, both written and oral
You are willing to collaborate and be a team player with good communication skills

Offer

A full-time doctoral fellowship (4 years) following a positive evaluation after one year
Tentative starting date : December 2024
The successful candidate will be based at the Division Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation in Leuven (Belgium)
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for assistants
You will receive ecocheques, a bicycle and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. See : https://admin.kuleuven.be/mykuleuven/en/theme/hr-wellbeing/salary-benefits-insurances for full benefits including holidays and bonuses
Collaboration in a young and dynamic international scientific team. Life-work balance is important for us.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Hanne De Kort, tel.: +32 16 37 38 25, mail: hanne.dekort@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Conny Coeckelberghs, tel.: +32 16 32 37 17, mail: conny.coeckelberghs@kuleuven.be.

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