We are searching for an enthusiastic and driven individual to embark on a PhD project focusing on multi-species landscape epigenomics. This position, funded by the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, offers a minimum annual salary of $25,917 for a duration of 5 years. The anticipated start date is either January or September 2025, although this is open to negotiation. While prior experience with genomic data or bioinformatics (Linux and R) is advantageous, it is not mandatory.
The research will explore DNA methylation as a potential mechanism underlying phenotypic plasticity, particularly in response to environmental changes like climate fluctuations. Over generations, populations inhabiting distinct environments may accumulate epigenetic disparities, potentially leading to genetic divergence over evolutionary timescales due to the mutagenic nature of DNA methylation.
The study will analyze DNA methylation variation in relation to climatic disparities and its correlation with genetic diversity. We have conducted whole-genome methylation sequencing (~16X coverage) on 80 lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and 80 brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis), with 10 specimens per species collected from eight sampling locations spanning a latitudinal climatic gradient in Hudson Bay and James Bay. These data will be integrated with environmental information and whole-genome sequencing data (~20X coverage) from the same specimens to address various inquiries concerning the interplay among DNA methylation, the genome, and environmental variations within a natural ecosystem.
The successful candidate will receive co-supervision from Dr. Clare Venney (University of Alberta) and Dr. Jean-Sébastien Moore (Université Laval). Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork, including potential projects in and around Banff and Jasper National Park. Interested individuals should submit their CV, unofficial transcripts, and a one-page cover letter outlining their interest in the position to venney@ualberta.ca by July 1, 2024. For any inquiries, please reach out to the provided email address.
Sincerely,
Clare Venney
Incoming Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Alberta
*Following is the full advertisement image provided.
Feature photo credit: Wikipedia
If you have any inquiries or concerns about the content posted on our website, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email.
