Post date: Jun 17, 2017 9:07:55 AM
ERC-funded PhD position
The ConvergeAnt project: Tracking molecular convergence in ant-eating
mammal genomes.
We invite applications for a PhD position funded by the European
Research Council (ERC) for 36 months at the University of Montpellier
(France).
Co-supervisors. Dr. Frédéric Delsuc (frederic.delsuc@umontpellier.fr)
and Dr. Benoit Nabholz (benoit.nabholz@umontpellier.fr).
Research Unit. Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier, UMR
5554, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Host Laboratory. Genome Department, Team "Phylogeny and Molecular
Evolution"
(http://www.isem.univ-montp2.fr/recherche/equipes/phylogenie-et-evolution-moleculaire/personnel/).
Background. Despite its widespread occurrence across the tree of life,
many questions still remain unanswered concerning the fascinating
phenomenon of convergent evolution. Our objectives with this project are
to provide new insights on a textbook example of adaptive evolutionary
convergence represented by mammalian myrmecophagous species, in which
similar phenotypes evolved independently in several lineages. The
acquisition of a myrmecophagous diet almost exclusively composed of ants
and/or termites has indeed evolved independently in five placental
lineages with armadillos (Cingulata), anteaters (Pilosa), aardvarks
(Tubulidentata), pangolins (Pholidota) and aardwolves (Carnivora).
However, large-scale comparative genomic studies of myrmecophagous
placentals are still lacking. In this ConvergeAnt PhD project, we
propose taking advantage of the unique set of convergently evolved
characters associated with the ant-eating diet to investigate the
molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypical adaptation by analyzing the
genomes of myrmecophagous placentals.
Tasks. The main objectives of this PhD project are to reveal the genomic
adaptations underlying the convergent evolution of myrmecophagous
phenotypes in armadillos, anteaters, aardvarks, pangolins, and
aardwolves. The fundamental evolutionary questions we aim to answer by
the completion of this project are: (1) Which genomic adaptations have
evolved in response to the selective constraints imposed by the
myrmecophagous life-style? (2) Do the same genomic adaptations underlie
the convergent phenotypes seen in independent ant-eating mammalian
lineages? (3) How widespread is adaptive convergent molecular evolution
in ant-eating placental genomes? To this aim we will analyse genomic
data that are currently produced within the project in the form of both
RNAseq experiments and whole genome sequences. We will first focus on
candidate genes likely to be involved in the convergent adaptation to
the myrmecophagous diet. For these genes, we will perform detailed
analyses of molecular evolution based on site- and branch-wise
estimations of the non-synonymous to synonymous substitution ratio
(dN/dS) in order to investigate the potential occurrence of convergent
selective pressures in myrmecophagous lineages. We will then evaluate
the extent of genome-wide adaptive convergent molecular evolution in
myrmecophages by performing genome-wide survey of convergent and
divergent amino acid substitutions using site-heterogeneous mixture
models. The aim is to identify genes presenting an excess of adaptive
convergent substitutions in myrmecophagous lineages by contrast with non
myrmecophagous lineages. Finally, we will investigate the potential
parallel evolution of specific gene families such as olfactory and taste
receptors. Gene repertoires will be statistically compared among
myrmecophagous species to identify potential convergent expansions
and/or losses relative to other mammalian species with different diets.
Overall, the project will build upon recent experimental and theoretical
advances on detecting convergent evolution at the molecular level.
Candidate profile. Mandatory requirements include a Master’s degree in
evolutionary biology, bioinformatics skills, experience in working with
genomic data (whole genome assembly, RNAseq), and good knowledge of
phylogenetics and molecular evolution methods. Basic programming skills
(Bash/Perl/Python scripting) are a prerequisite, advanced programming
skills will be a plus. A high degree of initiative and motivation, and
dedication to the project are also expected. There are no conditions of
nationality, but as the successful candidate will be part of an
international team, good English skills and capacity for teamwork are
highly desirable. The successful candidate will have a genuine interest
to interact with other project members working on morphological
evolution and microbiome evolution in mammals.
Applications. Candidates must send electronically their application
before June 30th, 2017 in the form of a single PDF file including a
cover letter detailing their motivation for the project, a CV,
eventually a copy of their Master thesis, and contact information of two
references to frederic.delsuc@umontpellier.fr. We will review
applications upon receipt. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed
during the first week of July 2017 and the final decision sent shorty after.
This PhD position is part of the ConvergeAnt project
(https://fdelsuc.wixsite.com/convergeant) funded by the European
Research Council (ERC), which aims at investigating the complex
interplay between the mammalian morphology, genome, and microbiome in a
classical case of adaptive convergence driven by a highly specialized diet.
Starting date: 01/10/2017
Duration: 3 years
For further information, please contact Dr. Frédéric Delsuc
(frederic.delsuc@umontpellier.fr).