[Taxacom] Ph.D. positions in plant evolution

[ContiElena at access.unizh.ch]

Dear Colleagues,

I would be very grateful if you could circulate the following 
announcement for two Ph.D. positions in plant evolution among your 
colleagues and students:

Ph.D. ASSISTANTSHIPS
IN PLANT MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS/
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Two 3-year Ph.D. Assistantships (extendable to 
a 4th yr., if appropriate) are available in the area of Plant 
Molecular Systematics/Evolutionary Ecology at the Institute of 
Systematic Botany of the University of Zurich, under the supervision 
of Prof. Elena Conti. The Ph.D. projects will build upon an existing 
research program on macro- and micro-evolutionary aspects of the 
plant genus Primula:  i) Macro-evolutionary project: Evolution of 
breeding systems, ploidy levels, and biogeographic patterns in the 
framework of dated chloroplast and nuclear phylogenies at the 
genus-wide level; ii) Micro-evolutionary project: Hybridization, 
pollination biology, and floral development in selected hybrid 
complexes. Further details about the research projects will be 
discussed upon interviews with the best-qualified applicants. 
(http://www.systbot.unizh.ch/institut/personen/person.php?l=d&id=24).
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: April 30, 2007.  If needed, the position 
will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
STARTING DATE: Ideally October 1, 2007, but earlier or later dates 
could be discussed.
REQUIREMENTS: Perspective students are expected to have received 
their Master's degree or equivalent by the start of the Ph.D. 
program. Good knowledge of English and, possibly, German highly 
desirable. The ideal candidate will have documented 
experience/knowledge in one or more of the following areas: molecular 
biology, phylogeny reconstruction, population genetics, evolutionary 
ecology, plant breeding systems, pollination biology. The selected 
candidate will be expected to help in teaching (3 to 5 hours weekly 
average, 3-4 months per year) and writing proposals to raise 
additional research funds.
HOW TO APPLY: Send the following by regular mail (preferred) or email 
to: Prof. Elena Conti, Institute for Systematic Botany, 
Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland:  I) a one- to 
two-page application letter addressing, but not limited to the 
following questions: a) Why are you interested in a Ph.D. in this 
research area? b) What are your career goals? II) Your detailed 
curriculum vitae, including a list of field-collecting, molecular, 
analytical, and linguistic skills, presentations at scientific 
meetings, and publications (if applicable); III) a copy of your 
undergraduate and graduate academic records, with grades and an 
explanation of the grading system; IV) two or three letters from your 
academic advisors addressing: a) your intellectual and academic 
skills; b) your dedication to science; c) your ability to work 
cooperatively in a team.  Please, follow the directions for 
application carefully.
FACILITIES: The Institute of Plant Systematics of the University of 
Zurich offers state-of-the-art research facilities in an 
international and stimulating academic environment.  Located in the 
heart of Europe, Zurich offers all the cultural opportunities of a 
major European city in close proximity to the Alps.

-- 
*****************************************
Prof. Elena Conti, Ph.D.
University of Zuerich, Institute for Systematic Botany
Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zuerich, SWITZERLAND
Ph: 0041 1 634 8424  Fax: 0041 1 634 84 03
email: ContiElena at access.unizh.ch
http://www.systbot.unizh.ch/institut/personen/person.php?l=d&id=24

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE:
July 14-15, 2007, University of Zurich:

"Origin and Evolution of
Biota in Mediterranean
Climate Zones"

http://www.systbot.unizh.ch/mediterranean/index.htm
*****************************************