英国自然历史博物馆招聘博士后

英国自然历史博物馆招聘博士后
 
　THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

Evolutionary diversification in an endangered biodiversity hotspot:
the Southeast Asian peat swamp forest fish fauna

We seek a highly motivated and productive postdoctoral researcher
to work on a 3-year NERC-funded research project on the evolutionary
history of the peat swamp forest (PSF) ichthyofauna. The Southeast
Asian peat swamp forests, found in the Sundaland biodiversity
hotspot, are waterlogged forests that grow on a layer of dead plant
material. PSF are characterized by a unique, vastly stenotopic
freshwater fish community, which is adapted to highly acidic black
waters and comprises several miniature taxa and narrow range
endemics, many of which have only been discovered in recent years.

The successful candidate will use a multigene, molecular systematic
approach to provide a robust phylogenetic framework of representative
peat swamp forest fish clades, integrating relaxed molecular clock
methodology and statistical phylogeography with geological and
paleoclimatological data, in order to (1) reconstruct the time frame
for the peat swamp forest fish diversification, (2) identify past
demographic expansions and their taxonomic, geographic and temporal
correlates, and (3) identify regions of elevated taxonomic and
genetic diversity that contribute most to the evolutionary legacy of
this unique ecosystem.

Applicants should have a PhD in molecular phylogenetics or related
fields as well as a broad interest in systematics and evolution. They
should be able to work on complex and demanding projects and
enthusiastic about participating in extensive fieldwork in Southeast
Asia.

The position requires experience in ichthyology, phylogenetic
systematics, and population genetics. Excellent molecular (PCR,
cloning, sequencing), and computational skills are essential, and
knowledge of statistical phylogeography and GIS based approaches
would be advantageous. The successful candidate will be supervised by
Drs Lukas Rüber (PI), from whom additional information can be
obtained (l.ruber@nhm.ac.uk), and Ralf Britz (Co-PI) both Department
of Zoology, The Natural History Museum.

This NERC-funded position is available for 3 years. Salary is in the
range of GBP 26,500 per annum. Closing date for applications 1 May 2008.

For further information, including a full job description, and to
apply online please visit The Natural History Museum website at
www.nhm.ac.uk/jobs under reference number NHM/AFS/ET.