Postdoctoral Position in Avian Molecular Evolution
Based on rich traditions of tropical studies, Danish zoological and
botanical institutions have formed a Center for Tropical Biodiversity
with the purpose of: Analyzing and comparing patterns of diversity as a
spatio-temporal phenomenon through biogeograpic and phylogenetic
analysis of radiations of species.
The studies will be concentrated on tropical montane forest habitats in
Africa and South America, facilitating comparison of patterns and
processes. Likewise the congruency between studies of different animal
and plant groups will be examined.
A postdoctoral position is open for a 'molecular ornithologist', with
training in evolutionary studies or systematic ornithology and with
molecular training (preferably PCR and DNA sequencing) to work closely
together with other team members, notably the senior ornithologist of
the programme, and participate in the supervision of graduate and Ph.D.
students working with avian DNA.
The work will take place in a group of about 20 researchers,
technicians and students at a well functioning DNA laboratory at the
Institute of Zoology, University of Copenhagen.
Comprehensive collections of avian DNA have been built up in Copenhagen
over the last few years. Nearly 1000 species of Andean birds are
represented and the African collection is rapidly developing. Thus,
adequate samples already exist for a number of studies, of which we
will mention a few of high priority.
A preliminary analysis of the biogeographic patterns in the two main
study areas indicate that rapid diversification happens mainly by
temporary isolations of small relict populations in areas that remain
climatically stable; various kinds of parapatric distributions e.g. on
altitudinal gradients and with sutures at habitat gaps appears to be
secondary. Local aggregates of recently diverged species are correlated
with conjugates of phylogenetically relict species. In order to
understand these spatio-temporal patterns comprehensive studies of the
evolutionary relationships between population as well as phylogenies of
closely related species are planed. Particularly suited Neotropical
groups for this study are tapaculos (especially Scytalopus, of which we
have a very large collection of specimens with skins, sonograms and
DNA), and several species groups of nine-primaried oscines (e.g.
Diglossa and Atlapetes). Large numbers of DNA samples exist for birds
of relict woodlands at c. 4000 m altitude in the Andes.
During these phylogenetic studies, we also hope to revise the taxonomy
of some difficult groups.
For further information, please contact: Dr. Jon Fjeldsa, Zoological
Museum, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100
Copenhagen ; phone +45 3532 1031, fax +45 3532 1010 or Dr. Peter
Arctander, Department of Population Biology, University of Copenhagen,
Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen ; phone +45 3532 1310, fax
+45 3532 1300 or e-mail poppa at virus.fki.dth.dk.
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Translation of public announcement (from danish):
Ph.D.- and Postdoc-scholarships Center for Tropical Biodiversity
Applications are desired for Ph.D.- and Postdoc-scholarships at the
Center for Tropical Biodiversity, established with support from the
National Research Council.
The Center for Tropical Biodiversity is a cooperation between: 1. The
Department of Systematic Botany, Biological Institute, University of
Aarhus. Contact person: Henrik Balslev, Herbariet - Bygn. 137, Aarhus
Universitet, 8000 Aarhus C., tel. 89 42 27 43, 89 42 27 51. 2.
Botanical Museum, University of Copenhagen. Contact person: Ib Friis,
Gothersgade 130, 1123 Copenhagen K. tel. 35 32 21 97. 3. Zoological
Museum, University of Copenhagen. Contact person: Jon Fjelds,
Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen . tel. 35 32 10 31. 4.
Institute of Zoology, Univeristy of Copenhagen. Contact person: Peter
Arctander, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen ., tel. 35 32 13 10.
The research activity of the Center for Tropical Biodiversity is
focused on the following main topics: 1. Biodiversity along gradients,
2. Biodiversity on different scales (alpha-, beta-, gamma-), 3.
Fragmentation, evolution of species and biogeographical patterns, 4.
Different spatio-temporal patterns of diversification, 5. The
significance of plant-animal interaction for species evolution.
Ph.D. scholarships are given according to the new rules for
scholarships for the scientifical training, partly as scholarships and
partly as wages for tasks done, primarily teaching. Scholarships are
given under the condition of enrollment in the research education.
Postdoc scholarships are given according to the current rules of the
Research Councils which include mobility requirements.
There are no application forms. Applications (typed) must have the
following enclosures: 1. a detailed CV with publication list and all
relevant information on education and research background and, 2. a
project proposal including a statement of how the proposed research can
contribute to the activities at the Center for Tropical Biodiversity.
The application and enclosures should be sent in 6 (six) copies and
must be received at the latest on September 10, 1993, 1200 hour, at the
Center for Tropical Biodiversity, c/o Herbariet - Bygn. 137, Aarhus
Universitet, 8000 Aarhus C. It is expected that further announcements
will follow, according to future academic periods.
Further informations can be obtained from the above mentioned contact
persons.
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PS: We apologize for the short notice. Expression of serious interest
before September 10, will do.
