PhD positions at Zurich

[Peter Linder]

Applications are invited for two PhD positions at the Institute of 
Systematic Botany of the University of Zurich, Switzerland.  The successful 
candidates will be involved in a research programme investigating the 
patterns of speciation in the Cape flora of South Africa.
      The Cape Floristic Region of South Africa is one of the most speciose 
areas in the world, with over 9 000 species found in an area of 90 000 
square kilometers. Much of this diversity is found in a small number of 
clades, indicating recent and rapid speciation.  We are using DNA sequence 
data to reconstruct phylogenies for these clades, and are using these to 
infer patterns of speciation.  These are related to ecological, 
geographical and morphological variation among these species, to search for 
factors which may correlated with speciation events.
      The Institute of Systematic Botany has well-equipped laboratories for 
molecular and morphological research, an excellent library and very large 
herbarium.  The Institute is situated in the grounds of a rich botanical 
garden.  The research will entail both fieldwork on the Cape flora (to 
collect material for morphological and molecular analysis), as well 
laboratory work in Zurich.  Our group is currently working on Restionaceae, 
we plan to extend the research to the Cape grasses, orchids, and Ericas.
      Applicants should submit a Curriculum vitae, as well as the names of 
two possible referees.  The funding for the positions is available 
immediate, interested students are urged to apply as soon as possible, to 
Peter Linder (who can also be contacted for further information) at: 
plinder at systbot.unizh.ch


Peter Linder
Institute for Systematic Botany
Zollikerstrasse 107
CH 8008  Zürich
Switzerland
Ph: +41 (0)1 634 8410
Fax: +41 (0)1 634 8403