To the moderators of molevol. I would like to post the following postdoc
positon on the molevol net. I am sure it is appropriate for this group but if
you have any questions or comments on the ad, please contact me.
Georgiana May
Dept. Plant Biology
U. Minnesota
*******************
Dear Colleague,
I am conducting a search for a postdoctoral position in my laboratory. The
focus of the research will be on the evolutionary mechanisms maintaining
variation at Phytophthora infestans resistance loci (R genes) in potato and in
the related species, especially Solanum demissum.. Because S. demissum as well
as some varieties of S. tuberosum are polyploid, we will address R gene
variation in polyploids as well. In addition to participating in a
interdisciplinary research group, I believe that the postdoctoral position
represents a unique opportunity for an evolutionary biologist to enter into
genome level analyses. The position is funded for the next 3 years through a
grant from NSF Plant Genome Initiative.
My own research focus is turning from the analysis of selection and molecular
evolution of mating compatibility genes to the evolutionary interactions of
plants and microbes. A continuing interest is the relative importance of
selection and neutral evolutionary processes in the evolution of genes
recognizing self and non-self (May et al. 1999; Badrane and May 1999). The
plant R gene loci represent an opportunity to extend theory and experiment into
dynamic, multigenic systems on the genome level.
The Department of Plant Biology and U. Minnesota represent an excellent
intellectual setting for these research activities. In addition to major
initiatives in plant and animal genome-level studies, the interactions between
disciplinary fields in graduate groups such as the Center for Community Genetics
is top notch.
Thanks for your help, we are eager to get the work underway!
Georgiana May
Associate Professor
Dept. Plant Biology
U. Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
gmay at maroon.tc.umn.edu
612-625-1998
References:
May, G., Shaw, F., Badrane, H. and X. Vekemans (1999) The signature of
balancing selection: Fungal mating compatibility gene evolution. Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. 96:9172-9177.
Badrane, H. and May, G. (1999) The divergence-homogenization duality in the
evolution of the b1 mating type gene of Coprinus cinereus.. Mol. Biol. Evol.
16:975-986.
¥¥¥¥¥
Postdoctoral Position
Evolution of Plant Resistance Loci
Postdoctoral research associate to study of the evolution of plant resistance
loci with genomic and molecular evolutionary approaches. The project part is
of a interdisciplinary NSF-sponsored plant genome study of potato, potato
relatives and Phytophthora infestans late blight disease resistance loci. The
emphasis of this study is on the evolution and maintenance of variation in
potato and related, polyploid Solanum species. Because several species in the
Solanaceae are also included in other mapping projects, the evolutionary
mechanisms by which resistance loci generate and maintain variation can be
critically examined. Funding Oct. 1, 1999 for 3 years.
Applicants having strong interests in the evolution of plant/microbe
interactions and with training in either plant molecular genetics or in
molecular evolution are encouraged to apply. To apply, send a curriculum vitae,
names of three references with contact information and a letter of inquiry, to:
Dr. Georgiana May
Dept. Plant Biology
220 BioSciences Bldg.
U. Minnesota
1445 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, Minnesota 55108
gmay at maroon.tc.umn.edu
612-625-1998
