Job Description

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the lab of Peter Baumann to study the evolution and molecular mechanism of parthenogenesis in vertebrates

Project 1:  Cellular and molecular basis of parthenogenesis

Description:  Our lab has shown that meiosis initiates with twice the number of chromosomes in parthenogenetic versus closely related sexual species (Nature 2010; 464:283). Subsequent pairing and recombination between identical chromosomes instead of homologs explains the long-term maintenance of heterozygosity, a key feature of these lizards’ ability to reproduce clonally and to compete with sexually reproducing species over many generations.  Discerning the mechanism of chromosome doubling will be crucial to determining the regulatory process that triggers parthenogenesis.  The successful candidate will take advantage of molecular and genomic tools recently developed in our lab to investigate the mechanism of parthenogenetic reproduction.

Project 2: Hybridization, Ploidy and Regulation of Gene Expression

Description: Muller’s ratchet and the red queen concept have been evoked to explain why lack of genetic diversity and limited ability to evolve would condemn obligate unisexuals to rapid extinction.  However, an assessment of genetic and epigenetic diversity that exists in unisexual populations in spite of “clonal” reproduction is largely lacking.  Transcriptomes and genomes assembled by our group have now created a unique opportunity to examine adaptation in the presence of divergent genomes in the same organism by examining allele-specific gene expression in laboratory-synthesized hybrids and individuals of parthenogenetic species.  This side-by-side comparison provides an entry into studying the regulatory mechanisms that underlie allele specific gene expression.  

Interested candidates should have a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, genomics or a related field and documented expertise in working with large datasets.  Successful candidates will have access to the state-of-the-art core facilities at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, as well as exceptional resources available through HHMI. 

To apply, please attach a cover letter detailing your research experience and interests, curriculum vitae and the contact information for three references.

 Additional information about this position and the Stowers Institute’s commitment to postdoctoral training is available through the following links:

 http://research.stowers.org/baumannlab/index.htm

http://www.stowers.org/education/postdoc

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