Expression of interest sought for PhD project at Macquarie University: The role of genome reorganisation in adaptation and speciation in Australian mammals. Deadlines 24^th July 2022 (international students); August 31^st 2022 (domestic students).

The Project: The Potter Lab (http://sallypotter.io) at Macquarie University in Australia is seeking expressions of interest from high-quality candidates interested in pursuing a PhD. The PhD project is funded as part of an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship and focuses on four empirical systems: Australian rodents (genus Rattus and Pseudomys) and Australian marsupials (genus Petrogale and Sminthopsis). The PhD project will use advanced comparative genomics and bioinformatics to examine the role of chromosome rearrangements in driving adaptation and speciation of Australian marsupials and evaluate rates of molecular evolution between the X-chromosome and autosomes. There is flexibility for the candidate to develop and pursue their own research questions around molecular evolution, specific evolution of genomic elements or regions, or population and conservation genomics, but there is expectation that if projects extend beyond the funded genomic sequencing, additional funding will be sourced by the candidate. The scope for the PhD projects is broad and the candidates should think about key evolutionary questions that interest them and are related to this project. 

The candidate: suitable applicants will be enthusiastic and highly motivated with a strong academic and research background. A demonstrated ability to conduct genetic research is required and the student should have bioinformatic and/or experience in population genetics or phylogenetics. Experience in programming and data analysis is desirable but not essential. 

Location: the candidate will be based in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. Macquarie University is ranked among the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 for most desirable student city (https://www.mq.edu.au/study/why-study-here/our-reputation/facts-and-rankings). The candidate will have the opportunity to work with my collaborators in Australia and overseas.

Expression of interest: Expressions of interest should be submitted directly to Dr Sally Potter (sally.potter@mq.edu.au) by 24^th July 2022. Please include a brief statement on why you are interested in this project, a C.V. and the contact details of two references. Following assessment of applications, two applicants will then be invited to formally apply to Macquarie University. You can also find out more about the graduate program here “https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply”. Note, Macquarie University has a Masters prerequisite requirement and if you hold an honours degree you will have to do an additional one year of study. The tuition fee scholarship and stipend is valued at $28,854 p.a. tax free (https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/scholarships/scholarship-search/data/international-hdr-main-scholarship-round).