Postdoc position: Genomic transitions between modes of sex-determination 

 

Fixed term, full-time, 3 years 

Based at the University of Tasmania, Hobart 

 

PROJECT THEME 

Sex-determination controls the most significant variation within animals—the division into males and females. While the different systems of sex-determination involving genetic or environmental control are relatively well understood, transitions between these systems remain enigmatic in evolutionary biology. This project aims to address this gap by revealing the genomic changes required to transition between modes, using one of only two known lizard species exhibiting both genetic and temperature control of sex. This knowledge will have important implications for species conservation, facilitating predictions of highly biased sex ratios under climate change, plus potential commercial applications for species where the production of one sex is favoured. 

 

A Postdoc position is available to contribute to this research. The postdoc will perform advanced genomic and transcriptomic sequencing of species of Australian lizards to identify the genomic changes accompanying transitions between genetic and temperature-dependent sex determination. 

 

This collaborative research project is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant awarded to the University of Tasmania (Assoc Profs Erik Wapstra and Chris Burridge), the University of Canberra (Prof Tariq Ezaz), and the University of Vienna (Prof. Oleg Simakov). This Postdoc will be based at the University of Tasmania, but will also work closely with Prof Simakov at the University of Vienna and a PhD student conducting related cytogenetic studies at the University of Canberra. 

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE 

The ideal candidate is expected to have knowledge in relevant aspects of genomics (e.g. NGS genome and transcriptome sequencing, mapping, screening for orthologs and homologs, assembly, annotation). Knowledge of sex determination is also desirable. The candidate will be self-motivated and well-organised, with a demonstrated capacity to learn and apply the broad skill set necessary for the successful completion of a research project. The successful candidate will be able to work alongside a wide variety of people in multi-function and multicultural laboratories. The successful candidate will also have a strong commitment and demonstrated excellence in research and research communication. 

 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Essential 

A PhD, and experience in a relevant research area 

Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in areas such as NGS genome and transcriptome sequencing, mapping, screening for orthologs and homologs, and genome assembly and annotation. 

A demonstrated record of publication of scientific research in high-ranking international peer-review journals 

 

Desirable 

Knowledge of sex determination systems 

Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in phylogenetics, trait mapping, and ancestral state reconstruction 

 

The position is open to all nationalities. There is the potential to start this project remotely (i.e., outside Australia), given the nature of the project, desired start time (late 2020, early 2021) and the current challenges of international travel to Australia. 

 

HOW TO APPLY 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, responses to the selection criteria listed above, and contact details of 2 potential referees to: chris.burridge@utas.edu.au 

 

Applications will close Oct 16, 2020 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

For further information about the position please contact chris.burridge@utas.edu.au