Vacancynumber: DPW 07.17G
PhD or Postdoc position "Modelling the spread of transgenes"
University of Groningen, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies
Context of the project: The introduction of transgenic crops raises some important
environmental safety issues. One matter of concern is the question whether, and to what extent,
gene flow involving transgenes significantly affects the population ecology of wild relatives. To
assess the ecological implications of the genetic modification of crops the Dutch Science
Foundation (NWO, www.nwo.nl) launched the new research initiative 'Ecology Regarding
Gene-modified Organisms' (ERGO). In the context of ERGO, the research programme
"Introgression of crop (trans-)genes into wild relatives: hybrid fitness, background selection
and hitchhiking" is a joint effort of research groups at the University of Groningen, the
University of Amsterdam and Wageningen University. This programme comprises four
integrated projects that combine an experimental approach (focusing on the wild lettuce species
Lactuca serriola) with a theoretical modelling approach. In addition to the theoretical project
advertised here, there are two open PhD positions for the experimental projects.
Job description: In the project "Modelling the ecological implications of the spread from
transgenic crops into wild relatives" simulation models will be developed for the spatial
dispersal of transgenes (vegetatively or through pollen or seeds) in wild populations. The main
objective is to predict the dispersal pattern and invasion prospects of a transgene on the basis of
the life history of the plant species involved. The potential effect of transgenes on dispersal
characteristics will receive special attention. In a long-term perspective, the projects aims at the
development of general-purpose predictive tools for scientists and decision-makers alike. To
achieve this goal, it is crucial to first perform a detailed analysis for specific well-studied model
organisms like L.serriola. This theoretical project will therefore strongly reflect progress in the
three experimental projects. The models resulting from the project will be integrated and
validated with existing data, including those generated for L. serriola.
Profile: For this challenging, multidisciplinary project we are looking for a highly motivated
biologist (MSc or equivalent) with a strong background in modelling, population genetics
and/or population biology. Experience with programming (preferably C++) is
required. Proficiency in English (both oral and written) and excellent communication skills are
indispensible for this integrative project. Although we are in the first place looking for a PhD
student, qualified PostDocs are also invited to apply.
Organization: The position will be embedded in the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary
Studies (CEES, www.rug.nl/biol/cees) a centre of excellence on ecology and evolution in the
Netherlands. It will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. Kuke Bijlsma from the
Evolutionary Biology Group (www.rug.nl/biol/evogen) and Prof. Franjo Weissing from the
Theoretical Biology Group (www.rug.nl/biol/theobio). Both groups have excellent facilities,
including a pc-cluster for running computer simulations. PhD students have the opportunity to
participate in the national Research School Functional Ecology (www.rug.nl/biol/fe).
Conditions of employment: PhD students are first employed for a period of one year, with a
possible extension of three more years. Salaries are according to the standard salary scale for
PhD students with an estimated salary of € 1956,- per month in the first year, increasing to a
monthly salary of € 2502,- in the fourth year. For PostDocs, salary and project duration depend
on personal details like qualifications and working experience.
Additional information: Prof. Dr. Kuke Bijlsma (r.bijlsma@rug.nl, Tel: +31 50 363 2117) or
Prof. Dr. Franjo Weissing (f.j.weissing@rug.nl, Tel: +31 50 363 2131)
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Application: Applications (including a detailed letter of motivation, a CV, a complete list of
courses followed and grades received, and the names and addresses of three potential referees)
should be sent before 25 May 2007 to: Wageningen UR, Plant Sciences Group, Mrs. T.
Schultz, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands or by Email to:
tanja.schultz@wur.nl. When applying always mention explicitly the vacancy number DPW
07.17G.
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