PhD Position in Evolutionary and Developmental Biology at University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology (Finland)
16.3.2018One PhD position is available at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, in the laboratory of Dr. Nicolas Di-Poi (http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/di-poi/). Our laboratory is studying the evolution and development (Evo-Devo) of craniofacial structures such as teeth and skull bones in non-classical reptile models. The extraordinary morphological, ecological, and regenerative diversity of reptiles makes them an excellent group to elucidate the developmental processes and pathways that promote lineage diversification and phenotypic variation at different taxonomic levels.
Our research projects include complementary state-of-the-art methods, including molecular embryology, geometric morphometrics, theoretical modeling, genetics, and phylogenomics, and they offer an interdisciplinary environment for research training (see e.g., Nature Communications 9:376 (2018), Science Advances 2:e1600708 (2016), Science 339:78-81 (2013), Nature 464:99-103 (2010)). The exact topic of the research project will be discussed in detail during interview.
The successful Doctoral candidate will have a genuine interest in multidisciplinary research and will hold an excellent Master Degree (or equivalent) in Biology with a specialization in Developmental and/or Evolutionary Biology. In addition, the doctoral candidate will have a strong potential for excellence in research in the above-mentioned research areas.
The Institute of Biotechnology (BI) at the University of Helsinki is an independent research institute with a mission to increase knowledge in biotechnology and integrative biology and use this for the benefit of society. BI has research programs in Molecular Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genome Biology, and Structural Biology & Biophysics. BI offers state-of-the-art facilities in imaging, model organisms, proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, histology, and crystallography. For more information, visit the website: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi.
To apply, please send (in a single pdf document) a cover letter describing your previous research and motivation, your detailed CV including a list of publications, as well as contact information for 2 references to Dr Nicolas Di-Poi (nicolas.di-poi@helsinki.fi). The position is expected to start in July 2018 (or as agreed with the selected candidate), and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. Application deadline 31.5.2018.