Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biology programme. The position is available from August 2025 or later.
Title:
Genomic constraints of thermal adaptation in ostriches
Research area and project description:
Increasing climatic fluctuations require animals to evolve increased heat resilience whilst simultaneously coping with cold periods throughout their lives. There is evidence that heat and cold resilience are mechanistically linked causing thermoregulatory trade-offs. But it is unknown if genes that increase heat dissipation and heat resilience render individuals more vulnerable to cold. In this project the objective is to test this idea and understand if a link between genes underlying heat and cold resilience impacts the potential of species to evolve to cope with temperature fluctuations. To do this we will work on the world’s largest bird, the Ostrich.
We will genotype (by sequencing) a very high number of ostriches and relate these genotypes to the ability of individual ostriches to cope when cold and hot, throughout their lives. There will also be potential for relating this data to gene expression data from ostriches exposed to different temperatures. This work aims to resolve how genes conferring resilience to heat influence the ability to cope with cold, and potentially also test if the same genes are important in different life-stages. We will be particular interested in genes that can have opposing effects across temperatures or life-stages, for example by reducing cold tolerance and increase heat tolerance. Such antagonism may reduce evolutionary potential despite high heritabilities.
Our project will ensure that the PhD student produce excellent scientific output, while becoming an expert in evolutionary biology and gaining experience in bioinformatics and evolutionary theory.
The work will be completed in collaboration with the Oudtshoorn Research Farm (South Africa) and the Department of Biology, Lund University (Sweden)
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Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Biology. Applicants should have a strong interest in evolutionary biology and experience with bioinformatics and population genetics.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is the section of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution. Department of Biology, Building 1540, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. The section is an informal and social working environment where dedicated professors, PhDs and Postdocs, all interested in evolutionary biology, provide a dynamic research environment of visiting scientists, workshops, and conferences.
The PhD student will be part of a new research group led by Assistant Professor Mads Fristrup Schou funded by his ERC starting grant. Mads’ expanding group is tightly affiliated with the Centre for Ecological Genetics currently housing 6 PhDs and Postdocs.
The city of Aarhus is a university city, with a great international community and cultural scene that is fitting for the first exciting move to another country.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Assistant professor Mads Fristrup Schou, mfs@bio.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2025)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
