We are looking for a postdoctoral Fellow interested in the role of chromosomal rearrangements in speciation to join the for 3 years. Chromosomal rearrangements are thought to have the potential to contribute to speciation as they can cause hybrid sterility and suppress recombination, potentially linking co-adapted genes. There is old-standing theory on this, but testing the hypotheses has been challenging due to the difficulty of identifying chromosomal rearrangements. However, now it has become possible to assemble genomes at a large scale at institutions such as the Sanger Institute. Ithomiini butterflies are an ideal study system to test long-standing hypotheses on the causes and effects of chromosomal rearrangements as this species-rich tribe of South American butterflies shows very rapid chromosomal evolution (Brown et al., , Hereditas). While the vast majority of butterflies kept the ancestral number of 31 chromosomes, ithomiini species show large variation in chromosome number, ranging from 5 to chromosomes. In the two very closely related species we have already analysed, we find that their chromosomal differences are not due to simple fusions or fissions, but involve complex rearrangements (Gauthier et al., in review). Ithomiini butterflies also show within-population variation in karyotypes (McClure et al., , Cytogenetic and Genome Research). Some genera have radiated rapidly into multiple species, whereas others show much lower speciation rates. Ithomiini butterflies are thus ideal to test predictions on interactions between chromosomal evolution and speciation.

In collaboration with researchers in Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, France and the UK, we are currently collecting butterflies to assemble about reference genomes of representatives of all ithomiini lineages. Our team members and collaborators are currently identifying genes under selection, such as those contributing to warning colour patterns in these mimetic butterflies. We are hiring a postdoc with a background in genomics to use the genome assemblies to answer questions on chromosome evolution and speciation. We are looking for someone with a collaborative mindset and good team work skills.

Please see this video to find out more about being a Postdoctoral Fellow with us:

Essential Skills

  • PhD in evolutionary genomics, population genetics or other relevant area 
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills 
  • Demonstrated team work skills and collaborative approach to research 
  • Clear written and oral communication skills 
  • Experience in processing large genomic datasets on parallel computing clusters 
  • Demonstrates Inclusivity and respect for all.
  • Other information

    Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining why you are interested in this position and how you meet the criteria set out above and in the job description.