JRF position

Project 1. A multidisciplinary framework to examine speciation mechanisms in the ancient terrestrial arthropod in a tropical forest.

The Western Ghats (WG) of peninsular India, a global biodiversity hotspot, has experienced a complex geological and climatic history. It also has a climatically and topographically complex landscape. Thus, we studied the influence of ecological and geological factors in shaping the diversity and distribution of its biota using ancient centipedes as a model system. We showed that geological processes (e.g., Deccan Volcanism) and climatic gradients (precipitation and temperature) influenced the biogeography and diversification patterns. Among these Scolopendrid centipedes were ancient species-pairs that were morphologically cryptic.

Interestingly, cryptic species-pairs occupied distinct climatic niches in sympatry or allopatry, indicating that natural selection may not be on external morphology. Since centipedes are venomous arthropods, the next step is to examine the role of venom composition, gland morphology, and diet in speciation in centipedes. Therefore, we aim to test the ecological speciation hypothesis among multiple closely related species of Scolopendridae.

Job description: Research will involve field and lab work. In the field, a researcher will help in sampling soil arthropods, associated climatic variables, and geographic distribution data. In the lab, the researcher will involve light microscopy, gut dissection, DNA extraction, PCRs, library prep, and sequence generation via Sanger and next-generation sequencing methods.

Duration: 1 year, extendable up to 2 years, with a three-month probation period.

Essential qualification: Masters in any branch of biology or equivalent degree with minimum 55% marks or equivalent GPA score.

Desirable qualification: A strong motivation for research in Evolutionary Biology is essential. Experience in molecular ecological techniques and fieldwork will be strongly preferred but is not mandatory. Strong work ethics and the ability to work well alone and collaborate as part of a group would be necessary.

Salary: 37,000/- p.m. + HRA as applicable/admissible to Scholars who are selected through (a) National Eligibility Tests – CSIR-UGC NET including lectureship (Assistant Professorship) or GATE or (b) A selection process through National level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments and their Agencies and Institutions. 

How to apply:  Please send 1) a CV, 2) a cover letter describing how the applicant meets the selection criteria (no more than one page), and optionally, 3) a synopsis of the master's research (1 page) as a single PDF to jahnavi@csirccmb.org by 25th May 2024