Post-doc Position – Polish Academy: The Mammal Research Institute at the Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, is offering a Post-doctoral position for the project “Historical morphometrics of the European bison skulls and its association with species inbreeding increase.” The European bison has a unique demographic history, having gone through an extreme bottleneck in the 1920s, resulting in low genetic variation and increased inbreeding. This project aims to estimate the effect of extreme inbreeding on skull conformation in a historical context by associating genomic and morphometric data from European bison individuals.
Summary Table:
- Title: Post-doc Position – Historical Morphometrics of European Bison Skulls
- Research Area: In a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Morphometrics)
- Location: Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża
- Project Duration: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
- Contract Type: Post-doctoral Position
- Job Level: Not specified
- Salary: Not specified
Eligibility/Qualification:
- PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Morphometrics)
- Strong background in genomics and morphometrics
- Experience with high-density SNP set analysis and 3D skull scans
- Previous experience in studying inbreeding and genetic diversity in mammal populations
Job Description: The project aims to estimate the impact of extreme inbreeding on the skull conformation of the European bison in a historical context. The post-doctoral researcher will analyze hundreds of 3D skull scans from European collections and museums and associate them with inbreeding level information based on SNP markers. The main objectives of the project are to:
- Investigate whether the morphometry of the European bison’s skull has fluctuated over time.
- Determine if the growing inbreeding of the European bison has influenced its skull morphometry.
- Identify the specific morphometric skull features that have been affected by growing inbreeding.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following documents to the Mammal Research Institute (contact details to be provided):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter expressing interest in the project and relevant qualifications
- Copies of relevant academic certificates and transcripts
- Names and contact information of two academic referees
Last Date for Apply: Not specified
This post-doctoral position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding of the impact of extreme inbreeding on the skull conformation of the European bison. The successful candidate will work in a renowned research institute and collaborate with experts in the field of genomics and morphometrics. This project will shed light on the consequences of inbreeding in one of the most inbred mammal species, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary dynamics of the European bison population.
