Dear Forpathers,

We are looking for a highly motivated junior research scientist to develop a population genomics project on forest fungal pathogens.

Candidates should have a strong background in evolutionary ecology and above all population genetics. Skills in next-generation sequencing analysis are required. Knowledge on host-parasite interactions would be a plus.

Details on how to apply and the guide for applicants can be found at http://www.inra.fr/drh/cr2011/index.php?langue=EN
Deadline for application is February 24^th.

Below is an abstract of proposal context.

The field of population genomics has recently emerged at the cross between traditional population genetics and the development of high-throughput techniques, with the aim to decipher the strength of selection events on genome evolution. Although not yet widely applied to plant pathology studies, these approaches seem particularly well suited to reveal the genetic bases of the adaptive potential of fungal plant pathogens. While the rapid pace of pathogen evolution (which result from intensive selection pressure through the massive deployment of resistance genes) presents a major impediment to sustainable agriculture, it also provides interesting opportunities to better understand the evolutionary biology of host–parasite interactions.

The project stands at the core of the joint unit Tree-Microorganism interactions (located near Nancy, North-eastern France) and lies at the interface of its two major teams “ecology and population biology of tree fungal pathogens” (directed by Benoit Marcais) and “eco-genomics of interactions” (directed by Francis Martin). The hired junior scientist will thus benefit from the complementary skills and resources of these two teams, i.e. advanced population genetics knowledge, large and historical population samplings, great genomic tools and molecular resources, genome sequences and transcriptomic analyses performed on model pathogen species, including the poplar rust fungus (Melampsora larici-populina).