The research group Evolutionary Genetics of the Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB) is looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated graduate student to join our EVO-DEVO program, which will focus on two main points: (1) the evolution of limbs in amphibians and (2) the evolution of direct development in frogs. The latter constitutes an alternative developmental mode, where the free-living larva has been deleted from the life history. Many adult features that form after hatching in metamorphic frogs, such as limbs, appear during embryogenesis in direct-developing species.
The selected candidate will join a group of laboratories with complementary research interests focusing on evolution, development and bioinformatics, and will thus be trained in a highly interactive inter-lab community. Our group occupies a complete new (2004) molecular lab, located in the heart of Brussels (Campus Etterbeek). Ongoing research in our group uses molecular phylogenies to elucidate all aspects of diversification in amphibian evolution (species diversity, adaptations, ecological specialization, behaviour, development,...). You can download our recent publications here and read about our research in the media here.
Applicants with an interest in evolutionary genetics and preferably with an experience in molecular techniques, should send a motivation letter, CV, publication list, and the names and emails of two references to Franky Bossuyt before December 31st 2004. Please note that only European citizens and permanent residents of EU countries are eligible for a fellowship.
Last-year students, who will be available from the summer of 2005 onwards, are also encouraged to apply.