Join the Evolutionary Genetics Lab at UQ!
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If you are interested in population genetics, adaptation, speciation, and how complex traits evolve, this is the right place for you. I currently have two fellowships on offer (see below). These fellowships are open to any student with a bachelor degree in biology, physics, mathematics, or computational biology. If you have a masters, that helps; if you have publications, that helps! But more importantly, we need to be a great match!
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Both domestic, on-shore international, and international students can apply! However, if you are outside Australia, we need to start the process as soon as possible because borders are closed and we need to apply for you to come into the country. This is becoming easier, yet requires some extra effort. But I promise it is worth it!
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These two fellowships come with a living stipend scholarship ($28,854 per annum tax free) Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and tuition Scholarship. They run for 3.5 years with the possibility of one extension, so you would be in my lab for four years. You can also tutor, which is great experience, and very well paid in Australia (~AUD $43/hour).
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Feel free to contact any member of my research group to learn more about their academic and personal experiences!
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Open positions for 2022
Description
This project seeks to understand mathematically, and via computational experiments, the genetic connexion between polygenic evolution and speciation. Theory on how genetic correlations between adaptation and speciation arise are largely lacking, particularly when considering reproductive barriers such as hybrid sterility and inviability. As a student, you will have ample room for exploring this connexion and will have access to empirical data discovering the mechanisms underlying this genetic correlation. In this project, you will also explore how systems biology can inform the origins of hybrid sterility and inviability and its relation to adaptive traits modulated by complex genetic networks.
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Deadline
This fellowship cannot be taken after RQ4 2022. If you are an international applicant please contact me soon so you can apply with ample time and you can obtain the visa on time.
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Preferred educational background
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Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant's previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.
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A working knowledge of mathematics, population genetics, quantitative genetics, linear algebra and using high performing computing would be of benefit to someone working on this project. However, we can provide training on any of these fields.
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The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of evolutionary genetics and the potential for scholastic success.
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A background or knowledge of R and Python programming is highly desirable.
PhD Topic
Evolutionary systems biology and adaptation
Description
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This project seeks to used tools from evolutionary systems biology, computational biology, and evolutionary quantitative genetics to explore the theoretical basis of complex adaptations. The student will join the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, and will co-supervised by mathematicians and quantitative geneticists. The student will have freedom to choose amongst many options for theoretical development but will also work closely with empiricists to help test some of the predictions arising from the developed theory.
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If you are an international applicant please contact me soon so you can apply with ample time and you can obtain the visa on time.
​
Preferred educational background
​
Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant's previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.
​
A working knowledge of mathematics, population genetics and quantitative genetics and using high performing computing would be of benefit to someone working on this project. However, we can provide training on any of these fields.
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The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of evolutionary genetics and the potential for scholastic success.
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A background or knowledge of R and Python programming is highly desirable.
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Evolutionary genetics