Postdoc: Plant Population Genetics & QTL

[Thomas Mitchell-Olds]

	Postdoc to study molecular evolutionary genetics of 
Arabidopsis thaliana and its wild relative, Arabis fecunda.  
We are studying population differentiation and DNA sequence 
evolution at loci controlling initiation of flowering.  
Regulatory genes controlling flowering have pleiotropic 
effects on life histories and important components of 
fitness (e.g., fecundity and age of first reproduction).  We 
are studying DNA sequence polymorphisms and mapping 
quantitative trait loci to infer evolutionary factors 
causing population differentiation and its ecological 
consequences.

	This research is part of a long term analysis of 
ecological genetics in natural plant populations.  We have 
five years of field data on life histories, demography and 
natural selection in five wild populations.  This 
postdoctoral position will examine DNA sequence variation at 
loci that are responsible for life history variation.  
Applicants should be experienced with methods of molecular 
biology and concepts of evolutionary genetics.

	The University of Montana has an active group in 
evolutionary genetics and population biology.  Laboratory 
facilities include a fully equipped lab for plant molecular 
evolution, and a departmental facility for automated DNA 
sequencing and related procedures.  A new controlled 
environment facility is available for plant growth.  
Computing and network resources are excellent.  Missoula is 
a town of about 50,000 in the mountains of western Montana.  
Quality of living is high, with year-round recreational 
opportunities and a modest cost of living.

Application deadline: 1 September 1994, or until a suitable 
candidate is found.

For further information contact:

Thomas Mitchell-Olds
Division of Biological Sciences
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812

phone:  406-243-4954

e-mail: tmo at popgen.biology.umt.edu